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Ganam S, Sher T, Assy R, Bickel A, Khoury A, Ronit L, Kakiashvili E. Assessing the impact of enhanced hygiene precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical site infection risk in abdominal surgeries. BMC Surg 2024; 24:253. [PMID: 39256696 PMCID: PMC11386118 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-024-02548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A surgical site infection (SSI) is a postoperative infection that occurs at or near the surgical incision. SSIs significantly increase morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established hospital hygiene precaution guidelines for the prevention of SSIs, which were enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aims to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on SSI incidence among initially uninfected postoperative patients. We hypothesize that these enhanced precautions would reduce the incidence of SSIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study comparing surgical outcomes before and during the pandemic. Patients who had abdominal surgery between June and December 2019 (Non-COVID-19) or between February and June 2020 (COVID-19) were included. The two groups were matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age, Sex, acuity (elective or emergent), surgical approach, and comorbidities. Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify SSIs and hospital readmissions within 30 days after surgery. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS Data was collected and analyzed from 976 patients who had surgery before the COVID-19 pandemic (non-COVID group) and 377 patients who had surgery during the pandemic (COVID group). After matching, there were 377 patients in each group. In our study, we found 23 surgical site infections (SSIs) in both laparoscopic and open surgeries. The incidence of SSIs was significantly higher in the non-COVID period compared to the COVID period [17 cases (4.5%) vs. 6 cases (1.6%), respectively, p = 0.032], especially in non-COVID open surgeries. The incidence of SSIs in laparoscopic surgeries was also higher during the non-COVID period, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced hygiene precautions during the COVID -19 pandemic may have reduced SSIs rates following abdominal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Ganam
- Department of Surgery A, Galilee Medical Center, 22100, Nahariya, Israel.
| | - Theo Sher
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, USA
| | - Rimi Assy
- Department of Surgery B, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Amitai Bickel
- Department of Surgery A, Galilee Medical Center, 22100, Nahariya, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safad, Israel
| | - Antonyo Khoury
- Department of Surgery A, Galilee Medical Center, 22100, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Leiba Ronit
- Galilee Medical Center, Leiba Ronit Bio- Statistician, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Eli Kakiashvili
- Department of Surgery A, Galilee Medical Center, 22100, Nahariya, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safad, Israel
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Jameie M, Ilkhani S, Pashang M, Bagheri A, Jalali A, Barkhordari K, Nosrati M, Boroumand MA, Bagheri J. Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and Reduced Surgical Site Infection After Cardiac Surgery: A Potential Blessing in Disguise. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2024; 25:362-369. [PMID: 38700752 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2023.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about drastic hygienic measures, one upside of which might be the mitigated occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI). This study investigated the association of the pandemic with SSI occurrence after cardiac surgeries. Patients and Methods: From 2014 to 2022, patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included and categorized into pre-pandemic and during-pandemic groups. Surgical site infections were classified into harvest-site, superficial sternal, and complex sternal infection. Multiple logistic regression and inverse probability weighting assessed the association of the pandemic with SSI. Results: Among a total of 26,143 patients, 793 SSIs occurred. The during-pandemic patients were younger (61.87 ± 10.58 vs. 65.64 ± 11.82) with a higher male proportion (70.1% vs. 67.4%) and a higher prevalence of all studied comorbidities/risk factors (expect cigarette smoking). Total SSI rate decreased substantially from 3.3% before COVID-19 to 1.8% afterward (p < 0.001). Inverse probability weights analyses evinced an independent association of the pandemic with a reduced risk of total (adjusted odds ratio [OR]; 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.78), harvest-site (adjusted OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.70), and superficial sternal infection (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.81). No significant association was observed with complex sternal site infection (adjusted OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.55-2.01). Multivariable regression recapitulated these findings. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic independently pertained to more than a 40% reduction in SSI occurrence, particularly affecting harvest-site and superficial sternal infections. However, there remains the possibility of the implications of other known and unknown confounders on the observed association. To some extent, the decrease in SSIs after the pandemic can be justified by reinforced hygienic precautions, emphasizing the necessity of extending the adherence to these measurements into the post-COVID-19 era to maintain the status quo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Jameie
- Tehran Heart Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Pashang
- Tehran Heart Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Bagheri
- Tehran Heart Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Jalali
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosro Barkhordari
- Tehran Heart Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjaneh Nosrati
- Tehran Heart Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Boroumand
- Tehran Heart Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamshid Bagheri
- Tehran Heart Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Suelo-Calanao RL, D'Alessio A, Hutton S, Krasopoulos G, Muppiri V, Cartwright C, Parvez A, Nikolaidis N, Loubani M. Closed-incision negative pressure therapy as a strategy to reduce sternal wound infection in identified high-risk patients: a multicentre propensity matched study. INTERDISCIPLINARY CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY 2024; 38:ivae056. [PMID: 38588571 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The premise of this retrospective study was to evaluate the intraoperative use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) to help reduce the incidence of postoperative sternal wound infections in multimorbid patients with an elevated risk of developing a sternal wound infection post cardiac surgery versus a cohort that received standard-of-care dressings. METHODS Data for all adult patients were collected from each cardiothoracic surgery unit across 3 hospitals in the United Kingdom. High-risk patients had 2 or more recognized risk factors. Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) and unpaired t-test were used to help analyse categorical and continuous data. Propensity matching was performed to compare the 2 groups. RESULTS A total of 5,288 patients who had cardiac surgery were included. Propensity matching led to 766 matched cases. There were significantly fewer sternal wound infections in the ciNPT group [43 (5.6%) vs 119 (15.5%) cases; P = 0.0001], as well as fewer deep sternal wound infections [14 (1.8%) vs 31 (4.0%) cases; P = 0.0149] and superficial sternal wound infections [29 (3.8%) vs 88 (11.4%) cases; P = 0.0001]. A higher mean length of stay in the ciNPT group was statistically significant (11.23 ± 13 vs 9.66 ± 10 days; P = 0.0083) as was a significantly higher mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) (11.143 ± 13 vs 8.094 ± 11; P = 0.0001). A statistically significant higher readmission to the intensive care unit due to sternal wound infection was noted for the controls [16 (2.08%) vs 3 (0.39%) readmissions; P = 0.0042]. CONCLUSIONS The ciNPT appears to be an effective intervention to help reduce the incidence of sternal wound infection in high-risk individuals undergoing cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Carly Cartwright
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Parvez
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mahmoud Loubani
- Castle Hill Hospital, Hull University Teaching Hospital, Hull, United Kingdom
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Mimura T, Matsumoto G, Natori T, Ikegami S, Uehara M, Oba H, Hatakenaka T, Kamanaka T, Miyaoka Y, Kurogochi D, Fukuzawa T, Koseki M, Kanai S, Takahashi J. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of surgical site infection after orthopaedic surgery: an interrupted time series analysis of the nationwide surveillance database in Japan. J Hosp Infect 2024; 146:160-165. [PMID: 37301228 PMCID: PMC10250054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene awareness was increased in communities and hospitals. However, there is controversy regarding whether such circumstances affected the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in the orthopaedic surgical field. AIM To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of SSIs after orthopaedic surgery. METHODS The medical records of patients having undergone orthopaedic surgery were extracted from the nationwide surveillance database in Japan. The primary outcomes were the monthly incidences of total SSIs, deep or organ/space SSIs, and SSIs due to meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Interrupted time series analysis was conducted between pre-pandemic (January 2017 to March 2020) and pandemic (April 2020 to June 2021) periods. RESULTS A total of 309,341 operations were included. Interrupted time series analysis adjusted for seasonality showed no significant changes in the incidence of total SSIs (rate ratio 0.94 and 95% confidence interval 0.98-1.02), deep or organ/space SSIs (0.91, 0.72-1.15), or SSIs due to MRSA (1.07, 0.68-1.68) along with no remarkable slope changes in any parameter (1.00, 0.98-1.02; 1.00, 0.97-1.02; and 0.98, 0.93-1.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Awareness and measures against the COVID-19 pandemic did not markedly influence the incidence of total SSIs, deep or organ/space SSIs, or SSIs due to MRSA following orthopaedic surgery in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mimura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
| | - G Matsumoto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - T Natori
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan; Division of Infection Control, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - S Ikegami
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - M Uehara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - H Oba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - T Hatakenaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - T Kamanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Y Miyaoka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - D Kurogochi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - T Fukuzawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - M Koseki
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - S Kanai
- Division of Infection Control, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - J Takahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Chen D, Zhang J, Wang Y, Jiang W, Xu Y, Xiong C, Feng Z, Han Y, Chen Y. Risk factors for sternal wound infection after open-heart operations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Wound J 2024; 21:e14457. [PMID: 37909266 PMCID: PMC10898401 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to quantitatively and systematically elucidate the rationality of the examined variables as independent risk factors for sternal wound infection. We searched databases to screen studies, ascertained the variables to be analysed, extracted the data and applied meta-analysis to each qualified variable. Odds ratios and mean differences were considered to be the effect sizes for binary and continuous variables, respectively. A random-effects model was used for these procedures. The source of heterogeneity was evaluated using a meta-regression. Publication bias was tested by funnel plot and Egger's test, the significant results of which were then calculated using trim and fill analysis. We used a sensitivity analysis and bubble chart to describe their robustness. After screening all variables in the eligible literature, we excluded 55 because only one or no research found them significant after multivariate analysis, leaving 33 variables for synthesis. Two binary variables (age over 65 years, NYHA class >2) and a continuous variable (preoperative stay) were not significant after the meta-analysis. The most robust independent risk factors in our study were diabetes mellitus, obesity, use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prolonged surgery time, prolonged ventilation and critical preoperative state, followed by congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal insufficiency, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and use of an intra-aortic balloon pump. Relatively low-risk factors were emergent/urgent surgery, smoking, myocardial infarction, combined surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting. Sternal wound infection after open-heart surgery is a multifactorial disease. The detected risk factors significantly affected the wound healing process, but some were different in strength. Anything that affects wound healing and antibacterial ability, such as lack of oxygen, local haemodynamic disorders, malnutrition condition and compromised immune system will increase the risk, and this reminds us of comprehensive treatment during the perioperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jianghe Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Xinqiao HospitalArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Weiqian Jiang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yujian Xu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Chenlu Xiong
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Zekun Feng
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Youbai Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
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Alzerwi NAN, Rayzah M, Alnemare AK, Elkhalifa AME. Optimizing Surgical Care Amidst COVID-19: A Scoping Review of Practices and Policies. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:96. [PMID: 38201002 PMCID: PMC10779415 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic significantly disrupted surgical care worldwide, affecting different specialties in various ways. Lockdowns, surges in COVID-19 cases, and changes in hospital policies notably impacted patient attendance, management practices, and access to surgical services. This scoping review examines the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical services and the policies adopted to address these care barriers. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Our search, spanning 31 December 2019, to 29 January 2023, focused on understanding the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 on surgical services, particularly across different specialties. RESULTS An analysis of 75 articles indicated that the pandemic challenged surgeons worldwide to maintain a balance between delivering emergency and elective surgical care, and implementing safety measures against viral transmission. There was a marked decline in the surgical volume, leading to extended waitlists and decreased operating theater usage. Strategies such as prioritizing medically necessary and time-sensitive surgeries and integrating telemedicine have emerged as pivotal for ensuring the continuity of urgent care. Despite the reduced rates, essential surgeries such as appendectomies and cancer-related operations continued, yet faced hurdles, including reduced staffing, limited operating theater capacity, and complications in patient transfers. CONCLUSIONS This review emphasizes the steep reduction in surgical service utilization at the beginning of the pandemic and emergence of new compounded barriers. Policies that designated surgeries as essential, and focused on equitable and timely access, were effective. Incorporating these findings into post-pandemic assessments and future planning is crucial to sustain adequate surgical care during similar health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser A. N. Alzerwi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Ministry of Education, Al-Majmaah City 11952, P.O. Box 66 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaed Rayzah
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Ministry of Education, Al-Majmaah City 11952, P.O. Box 66 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad K. Alnemare
- Otolaryngology Department, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Ministry of Education, Al-Majmaah City 11952, P.O. Box 66 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed M. E. Elkhalifa
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti 1158, Sudan
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Bashir A, Holmes M, Suresh N, Panahi P, Atta S, Perkins HT, Lloyd C, Asopa S. The impact of COVID-19 prevention measures on surgical wound infection rates post-cardiac surgery. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2023; 94. [PMID: 37823835 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2023.2604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on medical services. Several measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of viral transmission. In this paper, we assessed the impact of these measures on surgical wound infection rates in post-cardiac surgery patients. Hypothesis testing was used to compare post-cardiac operation infection rates between the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic being declared and the first 13 months of the pandemic. The infection rates in 969 patients with operations between 01/03/2019 and 29/02/2020 were compared to those of 925 patients with cardiac surgery between 01/03/2020 and 31/03/2021. Infection rates for various operative urgencies and infection types were analyzed. To compare infection rates, a two-tailed pooled z-test using the difference in infection proportions was performed. A 5% significance level was used, and only categories with at least 10 patients in both the pre-COVID and COVID populations were tested. For leg infections, only operations involving coronary artery bypass grafting were included. To ensure that any differences in outcomes were not due to differences in patient demographics resulting in unequal operative risks, Euroscore II values, a measure of cardiac operative risk, were compared between the pre-COVID and post-COVID cohorts. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to determine whether the distributions of Euroscore II values were likely to be drawn from the same population. A significance level of 5% was used. A total of 1901 patients (932 during the COVID-19 pandemic) were included in this study. There was a significant reduction in post-operative infections for all patients undergoing cardiac surgery, from 4.3% of patients before COVID-19 to 1.5% during the pandemic. During the pandemic, fewer elective and more urgent operations were performed. This study suggests a significant role for iatrogenic causes in wound infections before the pandemic. The implementation of COVID-19 prevention measures by healthcare providers can reduce surgical infection rates. As COVID-19-related restrictions have been eased, we suggest maintaining them for healthcare providers to reduce the incidence of surgical wound infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sameh Atta
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth.
| | | | | | - Sanjay Asopa
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth.
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Atumanyire J, Muhumuza J, Talemwa N, Molen SF, Kithinji SM, Kagenderezo BP, Hakizimana T. Incidence and outcomes of surgical site infection following emergency laparotomy during the COVID-19 pandemic in a low resource setting: A retrospective cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SURGERY OPEN 2023; 56:100641. [PMID: 37337571 PMCID: PMC10263222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijso.2023.100641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is the commonest form of hospital acquired infection in sub-Saharan Africa, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and outcomes of surgical site infection following emergency laparotomy during the COVID -19 pandemic in a low resource setting. Methods This was a retrospective single Centre cohort of patients that had emergency laparotomy between July 2021-June 2022 (COVID period) and July 2018-June 2019 (pre-COVID period). Analysis was done using SPSS version 22 in which SSI rates were compared between the two periods using the chi squared test. Mortality, re-operation rates and length of hospital stay were also compared. Results Of the 453 patient files included in analysis, 244 (53.9%) were for the COVID period, while 209 (46.1%) were for the pre COVID period. The incidence of SSI was insignificantly higher in the COVID period (17.6% versus 16.7%; P = 0.901). Mortality was also insignificantly higher in the SSI group (3.8% versus 3.5%; P = 0.745). Presence of surgical site infection increased the risk for re-operation (P < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stay (P < 0.001). Conclusion Since the incidence and outcomes of surgical site infection appear not to have changed following the pandemic, the same measures that were previously used to prevent SSI could still be effective even during the pandemic if followed appropriately and combined with the COVID specific peri-operative care recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jethro Atumanyire
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Joshua Muhumuza
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Nelson Talemwa
- Department of Dentistry, Mulago Paramedical School, Uganda
| | - Selamo Fabrice Molen
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Stephen Mbae Kithinji
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - ByaMungu Pahari Kagenderezo
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Theoneste Hakizimana
- Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Uganda
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Domenghino A, Staiger RD, Abbassi F, Serra-Burriel M, Leutwyler K, Aeby G, Turina M, Gutschow CA, Clavien PA, Puhan MA. Delivering Safe Surgical Care While Simultaneously Caring for Patients With COVID-19; Assessment of Patient Selection, Volume and Outcomes in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605640. [PMID: 37051309 PMCID: PMC10083247 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Compare patient selection and postoperative outcomes after surgical treatment for gastrointestinal disorders before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Methods: We assessed gastrointestinal surgeries conducted at a tertiary center from 2017–2021 for differences in patient populations and procedures before (up to February 2020) and during the pandemic (March 2020 to December 2021). We analyzed mortality, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay, admission to ICU and postoperative complications for complex procedures using descriptive statistics and regression models.Results: 7309 procedures were analyzed, showing a caseload reduction in March and October 2020, but no statistical evidence for fewer overall procedures overall. Population characteristics differed with lower Body Mass Indices in 2020 and 2021, more patients smoking and with diabetes treated in 2020. There was no increased mortality, ICU length of stay and in 1,144 complex procedures assessed low overall morbidity at 90 days postoperative.Conclusion: Delivering surgical care while treating patients for COVID-19 in the same hospital was safe. Healthcare officials should consider continuing surgical care during future health crises as consequences of limiting surgical treatment for gastrointestinal disorders may be fatal for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Domenghino
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roxane Diane Staiger
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fariba Abbassi
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miquel Serra-Burriel
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Guillaume Aeby
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Turina
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Pierre-Alain Clavien
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo Alan Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Milo Alan Puhan,
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Alaidaroos OA, Almuhaydib MN, Alhossan MA, Aldossari AN, Fallatta MO, Alotaibi SM, Alowid FK, Salem AA, Alsaygh KA, Alshammary HS. Unexpected Benefits of Coronavirus Disease 2019: Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Surgical Site Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2023; 24:119-130. [PMID: 36847343 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2022.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We aimed to summarize and synthesize the current evidence regarding the indirect impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated measures on the surgical site infection (SSI) rate compared with the pre-pandemic period. Methods: A computerized search was conducted on MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using the relevant keywords. Two-stage screening and data extraction were done. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) tools were used for the quality assessment. The Review Manager 5.4.1 program was used for the analysis. Results: Sixteen articles (n = 157,426 patients) were included. The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown were associated with reduced risk of SSIs after surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-0.75; p < 0.00001) and (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29-0.84; p = 0.009), respectively. There was no significant reduction in the SSIs rate after applying the extended use of masks (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.30-1.73; p = 0.47). A reduction in the superficial SSI rate during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period was observed (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.75; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The current evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have some unexpected benefits, including improved infection control protocols, which resulted in reduced SSI rates, especially superficial SSIs. In contrast to extended mask use, the lockdown was associated with reduced rates of SSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mashari Ahmed Alhossan
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkarem Naif Aldossari
- College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.,Emergency Department, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mawadda Omar Fallatta
- College of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,General Surgery Department, Althaghr Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fay Khalid Alowid
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Smith BB, Bosch W, O'Horo JC, Girardo ME, Bolton PB, Murray AW, Hirte IL, Singbartl K, Martin DP. Surgical Site Infections During the Covid-19 Era: A Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis. Am J Infect Control 2022; 51:607-611. [PMID: 36162605 PMCID: PMC9500048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are an undesired perioperative outcome. Recent studies have shown increases in hospital acquired infections during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate postoperative SSIs in the COVID-19-era compared to a historical cohort at a large, multicenter, academic institution. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) inpatient surgical procedures between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. Patients from the COVID-19-era (March-December 2020) were compared and matched 1:1 with historical controls (2018/2019) utilizing the standardized infection ratio (SIR) to detect difference. Results/Discussion During the study period, 29,904 patients underwent NHSN procedures at our institution. When patients from the matched cohort (2018/2019) were compared to the COVID-19-era cohort (2020), a decreased risk of SSI was observed following colorectal surgery (RR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.65, 1.37], P = .76), hysterectomy (RR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.39, 1.99], P = .75), and knee prothesis surgery (RR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.52, 1.74], P = .88), though not statistically significant. An increased risk of SSI was observed following hip prosthesis surgery (RR 1.09, 95% CI [0.68, 1.75], P = .72), though not statistically significant. Conclusions The risk of SSI in patients who underwent NHSN inpatient surgical procedures in 2020 with perioperative COVID-19 precautions was not significantly different when compared to matched controls at our large, multicenter, academic institution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford B Smith
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd; Phoenix, AZ 85054.
| | - Wendelyn Bosch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd; Jacksonville, FL 32224
| | - John C O'Horo
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1(st) St. SW; Rochester, MN 55905; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW; Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Marlene E Girardo
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd; Phoenix, AZ 85054
| | - Patrick B Bolton
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd; Phoenix, AZ 85054
| | - Andrew W Murray
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd; Phoenix, AZ 85054
| | - Ingrid L Hirte
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, 13400 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85259
| | - Kai Singbartl
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd; Phoenix, AZ 85054
| | - David P Martin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW; Rochester, MN 55905
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12
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Tham N, Fazio T, Johnson D, Skandarajah A, Hayes IP. Hospital Acquired Infections in Surgical Patients: Impact of COVID-19-Related Infection Prevention Measures. World J Surg 2022; 46:1249-1258. [PMID: 35384475 PMCID: PMC8985564 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Hospital acquired infections are common, costly, and potentially preventable adverse events. This study aimed to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic-related escalation in infection prevention and control measures on the incidence of hospital acquired infection in surgical patients in a low COVID-19 environment in Australia. Method This was a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary institution. All patients undergoing a surgical procedure from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic period) were compared to patients pre-pandemic (1 April 2019–30 June 2019). The primary outcome investigated was odds of overall hospital acquired infection. The secondary outcome was patterns of involved microorganisms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess odds of hospital acquired infection. Results There were 5945 admission episodes included in this study, 224 (6.6%) episodes had hospital acquired infections in 2019 and 179 (7.1%) in 2020. Univariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated no evidence of change in odds of having a hospital acquired infection between cohorts (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.88–1.33, P = 0.434). The multivariable regression analysis adjusting for potentially confounding co-variables also demonstrated no evidence of change in odds of hospital acquired infection (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.74–1.16, P = 0.530). Conclusion Increased infection prevention and control measures did not affect the incidence of hospital acquired infection in surgical patients in our institution, suggesting that there may be a plateau effect with these measures in a system with a pre-existing high baseline of practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-022-06539-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Tham
- Colorectal Surgical Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia. .,Department of General Surgical Specialties, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Timothy Fazio
- Department of General Medicine and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Health Intelligence Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Douglas Johnson
- Department of General Medicine and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anita Skandarajah
- Department of General Surgical Specialties, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian P Hayes
- Colorectal Surgical Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of General Surgical Specialties, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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13
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Chacón-Quesada T, Rohde V, von der Brelie C. Less surgical site infections in neurosurgery during COVID-19 times-one potential benefit of the pandemic? Neurosurg Rev 2021; 44:3421-3425. [PMID: 33674981 PMCID: PMC7935474 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-021-01513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Hygiene measures were intensified when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Patient contacts were limited to a minimum. Visitors were either not allowed for a certain period or limited for the rest of the time. The hospital staff began to wear masks and gloves continuously. Clinical examinations and routine wound controls were also performed under intensified hygiene standards. These circumstances result in a limitation of direct physical interactions between the nursing staff, the physicians and the patients. We analyzed to what extent the intensification of hygiene measures affects the rate of surgical site infections (SSI) after neurosurgical procedures. The rate of SSI during the 6-month interval after the beginning of COVID-19 measures was compared with the SSI rate before. The numbers of the period before COVID-19 were analyzed as mean values resulting from the analysis of two separate time periods each consisting of 6 months. The spectrum of surgical procedures was compared. Patient-related risk factors for SSIs were noted. Microorganisms were analyzed. We focused on SSIs occurring at a maximum of 60 days after the primary surgery. Overall, in the two respective 6-month periods before COVID-19, a mean of 1379 patients was surgically treated in our institution. After the beginning of COVID-19 (starting from 04/2020) our surgical numbers dropped by 101, resulting in a total number of 1278 patients being operated after 03/2020 until 09/2020. The SSI rate was 3.6% (03/2019-09/2019, 50 SSIs) and 2.2% (09/2019-03/2020, 29 SSIs), resulting in a mean of 2.9% before COVID-19 began. After the beginning of COVID-19 hygiene measures, this rate dropped to 1.4% (16 SSIs) resembling a significant reduction (p=0.003). Risk factors for the development of SSI were present in 81.3% of all patients. Pre- and post-COVID-19 patient groups had similar baseline characteristics. The same holds true when comparing the percentage of cranial and spinal procedures pre- and post-COVID-19 (p=0.91). Comparing the numbers (p=0.28) and the species (p=0.85) of microorganisms (MO) causing SSI, we found a similar distribution. Despite equal demographics and characteristics of SSI, the rate of SSI dropped substantially. This argues for an effective reduction of postoperative SSI resulting from the implementation of strict hygiene measures being established after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore advocate continuing with strict and intensive hygiene measures in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Chacón-Quesada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georg August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - V Rohde
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georg August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - C von der Brelie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georg August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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14
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Unterfrauner I, Hruby LA, Jans P, Steinwender L, Farshad M, Uçkay I. Impact of a total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) on deep surgical site infections and other complications after orthopedic surgery: a retrospective analysis. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:112. [PMID: 34332632 PMCID: PMC8325206 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) entailed a restriction of elective orthopedic surgeries in Switzerland. While access to the hospital and human contacts were limited, hygiene measures were intensified. The objective was to investigate the impact of those strict public health guidelines on the rate of intra-hospital, deep surgical site infections (SSI), wound healing disorders and non-infectious postoperative complications after orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown. METHODS In a single-center study, patients with orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown from March 16, 2020 to April 26, 2020 were compared to cohorts that underwent orthopedic intervention in the pre- and post-lockdown periods of six months each. Besides the implementation of substantial public health measures (promotion of respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene), no additional infection control bundles have been implemented. RESULTS 5791 patients were included in this study. In multivariate Cox regression analyses adjusting for the large case-mix, the lockdown was unrelated to SSI (hazard ratio (HR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-4.8), wound healing disorders (HR 0.7; 95% CI 0.1-5.7) or other non-infectious postoperative complications (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3-1.5) after a median follow-up of seven months. CONCLUSION The risks for SSI, wound healing disorders and other complications in orthopedic surgery were not influenced by the extended public health measures of the total Covid-19 lockdown. Trial registration BASEC 2020-02646 (Cantonal Ethics Commission Zurich). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Unterfrauner
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
- Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura A. Hruby
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Jans
- Medical Informatics Service, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Steinwender
- Infection Control, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mazda Farshad
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ilker Uçkay
- Infection Control, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
- Unit of Clinical and Applied Research, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
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