The incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection after clean spinal operations: A prospective cohort study and review of the literature

Body Mass Index Greater Than 46 Associated With Increased Risk of 30 Day Complications Following Adult Tonsillectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The study aimed to identify data-driven body mass index (BMI) thresholds that are associated with varying risk of 30 day complications following adult tonsillectomy. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was utilized to conduct a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing adult tonsillectomy from 2005 to 2019. Stratum-specific likelihood ratio (SSLR) analysis was conducted to determine data-driven BMI strata that maximized the likelihood of 30 day complications following adult tonsillectomy. Patient demographics and clinical comorbidities were compared using chi-squared analysis and student t tests, where appropriate, for each stratum. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to confirm association between identified data-driven strata with 30 day complication rates. Results: In total, 44,161 patients undergoing adult tonsillectomy were included in this study. SSLR analysis identified 2 BMI categories: 18 to 45 and 46+. Relative to the 18 to 45 BMI cohort, the 46+ BMI cohort was more likely to have 30 day all-cause complications after surgery [odds ratio (OR): 1.62, P = .007]. Specifically, the 46+ BMI cohort had significantly higher odds for 30 day major medical complications (OR: 2.86, P = .001), pulmonary domain complications (OR: 1.86, P = .041), unplanned reintubation (OR: 2.65, P = .033), and deep vein thrombosis (OR: 6.54, P = .026). Conclusions: We identified a BMI threshold of 46+ that was associated with a significantly increased risk of 30 day all-cause complications following adult tonsillectomy. These BMI strata can guide preoperative planning and risk-stratifying models for predicting 30 day complications in tonsillectomy surgery.

Predictors of in-hospital surgical site infections in surgically managed acetabular fractures: A nationwide analysis

Background

A surgical site infection (SSI) rate of 4%-8% has been reported in patients who undergo open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for acetabular fractures. Studies have identified risk factors for SSI, but none have performed a nationwide analysis of SSI in surgically managed acetabular fracture patients.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried for patients who underwent ORIF for acetabular fractures from 2016 to 2019. Analysis was performed on all patients who underwent ORIF for acetabular fractures, as well as those who only underwent ORIF for isolated acetabular fractures. Clinical characteristics, hospital course, discharge disposition, and hospitalization costs were compared between groups. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to assess predictors of SSI.

Results

41,725 patients undergoing acetabular fracture repair were identified, of which 490 (1.2%) developed SSI during hospitalization. Age (45.90 vs 49.90, p < 0.001) and Injury Severity Scale (5.99 vs 8.30, p < 0.001) were increased in patients who developed SSI. History of hypertension (HTN) (OR = 2.343, 95% CI 1.96-2.80, p < 0.001), longer hospital length of stay (30.27 days vs 10.00 days, p < 0.001) and total charges ($469,005 vs $193,032, p < 0.001) were associated with SSI. Lower rates of routine discharge were seen in SSI patients (OR = 0.333, 95% CI 0.260-0.426, p < 0.001). Higher rates of inpatient death were associated with SSI (OR = 2.210, 95% CI 1.172-4.17, p = 0.019). Multiple procedures in addition to acetabular fracture repair, iliac artery embolization, substance abuse, later time to internal fixation and HTN were predictive of SSI (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Severity of injury, time to fixation, and factors associated with compromised cardiovascular integrity were predictors of SSI. Identifying patients at risk for SSI should lead to clinical maneuvers that may optimize outcome.

Factors influencing the surveillance of re-emerging intracranial infections in elective neurosurgical patients: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

At present, many studies have reported the risk factors for postoperative intracranial reinfection, including age, sex, time to surgery, duration of postoperative catheterization, emergency procedures, type of disease and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, but the academic community has not reached a unified conclusion.

AIM

To find factors influencing the surveillance of re-emerging intracranial infections in elective neurosurgical patients.

METHODS

Ninety-four patients who underwent elective craniotomy from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2022 in the Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, were included in this study. Of those, 45 patients were enrolled in the infection group, and 49 were enrolled in the control group. The clinical data of the patients were collected and divided into three categories, including preoperative baseline conditions, intraoperative characteristics and postoperative infection prevention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software.

RESULTS

There were 23 males and 22 females in the infection group with a mean age of 52.8 ± 15.1 years and 17 males and 32 females in the control group with a mean age of 48.9 ± 15.2 years. The univariate analysis showed that the infection group had higher systolic blood pressures and postoperative temperatures, fewer patients who underwent a supratentorial craniotomy, more patients with a history of hypertension and higher initial postoperative white blood cell counts than the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that a history of hypertension and a high postoperative body temperature were independent risk factors for postoperative infection in neurosurgical patients.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in this study indicated that a history of hypertension and a high postoperative body temperature were independent risk factors for postoperative neurological symptoms.

Use of monofilament sutures and triclosan coating to protect against surgical site infections in spinal surgery: a laboratory-based study

PURPOSE

We investigated bacterial propagation through multifilament, monofilament sutures and whether sutures coated with triclosan would exhibit a different phenomenon.

METHODS

One centimetre (cm) wide trenches were cut in the middle of Columbia blood Agar plates. We tested a 6 cm length of two Triclosan-coated (PDS plus®, Vicryl plus®) and two uncoated (PDS ®, Vicryl ®) sutures. Each suture was inoculated with a bacterial suspension containing methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus epidermidis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at one end of each suture. The plates were incubated at 36C for 48 h, followed by room temperature for a further 5 days. We established bacterial propagation by observing for any bacterial growth on the Agar on the opposite side of the trench.

RESULTS

Bacterial propagation was observed on the opposite side of the trench with both suture types, monofilament PDS and multifilament Vicryl, when tested with the motile bacterium (E. coli). Propagation was not observed on the other side of the trench with the monofilament PDS suture following incubation with MSSA and S. epidermidis, and in 66% of MRSA. With multifilament suture Vicryl, propagation was observed on the other side of the trench in 90% (MSSA), 80% (S. epidermidis), and 100% (MRSA) of plates tested. No bacterial propagation was observed in any of the triclosan-coated sutures (monofilament or multifilament).

CONCLUSIONS

Monofilament sutures are associated in vitro with less bacterial propagation along their course when compared to multifilament sutures. Inhibition in both sutures can be further enhanced with a triclosan coating.

Full-endoscopic discectomy for thoracic disc herniations: a single-arm meta-analysis of safety and efficacy outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice in patients with thoracic disc herniation with refractory symptoms and progressive myelopathy. Due to high occurrence of complications from open surgery, minimally invasive approaches are desirable. Nowadays, endoscopic techniques have become increasingly popular and full-endoscopic surgery can be performed in the thoracic spine with low complication rates.

METHODS

Cochrane Central, PubMed, and Embase databases were systematically searched for studies that evaluated patients who underwent full-endoscopic spine thoracic surgery. The outcomes of interest were dural tear, myelopathy, epidural hematoma, recurrent disc herniation, and dysesthesia. In the absence of comparative studies, a single-arm meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

We included 13 studies with a total of 285 patients. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 89 months, age from 17 to 82 years, with 56.5% male. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia with sedation in 222 patients (77.9%). A transforaminal approach was used in 88.1% of the cases. There were no cases of infection or death reported. The data showed a pooled incidence of outcomes as follows, with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI)-dural tear (1.3%; 95% CI 0-2.6%); dysesthesia (4.7%; 95% CI 2.0-7.3%); recurrent disc herniation (2.9%; 95% CI 0.6-5.2%); myelopathy (2.1%; 95% CI 0.4-3.8%); epidural hematoma (1.1%; 95% CI 0.2-2.5%); and reoperation (1.7%; 95% CI 0.1-3.4%).

CONCLUSION

Full-endoscopic discectomy has a low incidence of adverse outcomes in patients with thoracic disc herniations. Controlled studies, ideally randomized, are warranted to establish the comparative efficacy and safety of the endoscopic approach relative to open surgery.

Full-endoscopic spine surgery diminishes surgical site infections - a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Surgical site infections (SSI) are one the most frequent and costly complications following spinal surgery. The SSI rates of different surgical approaches need to be analyzed to successfully minimize SSI occurrence.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to define the rate of SSIs in patients undergoing full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) and then to compare this rate against a propensity score-matched cohort from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective multicenter cohort study using a propensity score-matched analysis of prospectively maintained databases.

PATIENT SAMPLE

One thousand two hundred seventy-seven non-instrumented FESS cases between 2015 and 2021 were selected for analysis. In the nonendoscopic NSQIP cohort we selected data of 55,882 patients.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The occurrence of any SSI was the primary outcome. We also collected any other perioperative complications, demographic data, comorbidities, operative details, history of smoking, and chronic steroid intake.

METHODS

All FESS cases from a multi-institutional group that underwent surgery from 2015 to 2021 were identified for analysis. A cohort of cases for comparison was identified from the NSQIP database using Current Procedural Terminology of nonendoscopic cervical, thoracic, and lumbar procedures from 2015 to 2019. Trauma cases as well as arthrodesis procedures, surgeries to treat pathologies affecting more than 4 levels or spine tumors that required surgical treatment were excluded. In addition, nonelective cases, and patients with wounds worse than class 1 were also not included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative details were analyzed for propensity matching.

RESULTS

In the non-propensity-matched dataset, the endoscopic cohort had a significantly higher incidence of medical comorbidities. The SSI rates for nonendoscopic and endoscopic patients were 1.2% and 0.001%, respectively, in the nonpropensity match cohort (p-value <.011). Propensity score matching yielded 5936 nonendoscopic patients with excellent matching (standard mean difference of 0.007). The SSI rate in the matched population was 1.1%, compared to 0.001% in endoscopic patients with an odds ratio 0.063 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.009-0.461, p=.006) favoring FESS.

CONCLUSIONS

FESS compares favorably for risk reduction in SSI following spinal decompression surgeries with similar operative characteristics. As a consequence, FESS may be considered the optimal strategy for minimizing SSI morbidity.

Cervical epidural abscess due to implantation of a spinal cord stimulation lead

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for intractable pain syndromes has become a pillar of modern pain management. Common complications include lead migration, implant infection, cerebral spinal fluid leak, and lead fracture. Spinal epidural abscess due to spinal cord stimulator implantation is a very rare occurrence with only two cases reported in the literature so far. We present an illustrative case and discuss the pathophysiology and best clinical management for this very rate entity.

Risk factors for surgical site infection following spinal surgery: A meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

We performed a meta-analysis to explore risk factors of surgical site infection (SSI) following spinal surgery.

METHODS

An extensive search of literature was performed in English database of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library and Chinese database of CNKI and WANFANG (up to October 2020). We collected factors including demographic data and surgical factor. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 and STATA 12.0.

RESULTS

Totally, 26 studies were included in the final analysis. In our study, the rate of SSI after spinal surgery was 2.9% (1222 of 41,624). Our data also showed that fusion approach (anterior vs posterior; anterior vs combined), osteotomy, transfusion, a history of diabetes and surgery, hypertension, surgical location (cervical vs thoracic; lumbar vs thoracic), osteoporosis and the number of fusion levels were associated with SSI after spinal surgery. However, age, sex, a history of smoking, body mass index, fusion approach (posterior vs combined), surgical location (cervical vs lumbar), duration of surgery, blood loss, using steroid, dural tear and albumin were not associated with development of SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, many factors were associated with increased risk of SSI after spinal surgery. We hope this article can provide a reference for spinal surgeons to prevent SSI after spinal surgery.

Prevalence and Predictors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Psychiatric Inpatients in Fars Province, Southern Iran

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric patients are at increased risk of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii infection, which may be linked to their living facilities and behaviors. Limited knowledge on the prevalence of T. gondii infection and its associated risk factors in psychiatric patients are available to the international medical communities. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess seroprevalence of T. gondii and its associated risk factors in psychiatric inpatients in Fars Province, southern Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out on psychiatric patients hospitalized in Ibn Sina Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars Province, southern Iran, March to July 2021. Blood samples were collected from 318 psychiatric patients and assessed for the detection of IgG against T. gondii using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, structured questionnaires were completed for the participants at the time of sampling. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess possible associations between the latent toxoplasmosis and the variables.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG in psychiatric inpatients was 22.3% (71/318; 95% CI = 17.9-27.3). Multivariate analyses revealed that age > 30 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.10-4.60, p = 0.03], contact with cats (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.14-5.58, p = 0.03), raw vegetable consumption (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.74-7.65, p = 0.001), raw/undercooked meat consumption (AOR = 4.30, 95% CI = 1.47-12.63, p = 0.008), suicide attempt (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI = 1.58-8.97, p = 0.003) and cigarette smoking history (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.17-0.83, p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for T. gondii infection.

CONCLUSION

The current results demonstrated that contact with cats, raw vegetable consumption and raw/undercooked meat consumption were independent risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity. Moreover, the current study showed significant associations between seropositivity of T. gondii and suicide attempts as well as negative associations between seropositivity of T. gondii and cigarette smoking in psychiatric inpatients using multivariate logistic regression.

Fracture, nonunion and postoperative infection risk in the smoking orthopaedic patient: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyse negative effects of smoking in orthopaedic and trauma patients.

A PubMed search was carried out for studies published until July 2020 regarding effects of smoking on fracture risk, nonunion, infection after orthopaedic surgery, and persisting nonunion after scaphoid nonunion surgery. Random effects models calculated for outcome parameters, and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals are provided. No adjustments for covariates were made. Heterogeneity was assessed with Higgins’ I2, publication bias with Harbord’s p (Hp), sensitivity analysis performed on funnel plots and quality of studies was analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Of 3362 retrieved entries, 69 were included in the final analysis. Unadjusted RR for smokers to develop vertebral (six studies, seven entries; RR: 1.61; p = 0.008; I2 = 89.4%), hip (11 studies, 15 entries; RR: 1.28; p = 0.007; I2 = 84.1%), and other fractures (eight studies, 10 entries; RR: 1.75; p = 0.019; I2 = 89.3%) was significantly higher. Postoperative infection risk was generally higher for smokers (21 studies; RR: 2.20; p < 0.001; I2 = 58.9%), and remained upon subgroup analysis for elective spinal (two studies; RR: 4.38; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) and fracture surgery (19 studies; RR: 2.10; p < 0.001; I2 = 58.5%). Nonunion risk after orthopaedic (eight studies; RR: 2.15; p < 0.001; I2 = 35.9%) and fracture surgery (11 studies; RR: 1.85; p < 0.001; I2 = 39.9%) was significantly higher for smokers, as was persisting nonunion risk after surgery for scaphoid nonunion (five studies; RR: 3.52; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%). Sensitivity analysis for each model reduced heterogeneity whilst maintaining significance (all I2 < 20.0%).

Smoking has a deleterious impact on fracture incidence, and (subsequent) development of nonunions and postoperative infections.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1006-1019. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210058

Effectiveness of topical vancomycin in the prevention of spinal surgical site infections: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) SSIs, after spinal surgeries is one of the most daunting experiences to patients and surgeons. Some authors suggest applying vancomycin powder on the wound before skin closure to minimize the risk of SSIs; however, this practice is not supported by well-established evidence. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of topical (i.e. intra-wound) vancomycin in minimizing the risk of SSIs in patients who underwent spinal surgeries at a Saudi hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the hospital database. Patients who underwent spinal surgeries from the period of 09/2013 to 09/2019 were included and followed up (observed from the time of the surgery) to 30 days (surgeries without implants) or 90 days (with implants). The odds ratio (OR) of the primary outcome between vancomycin treated versus non-treated patients was estimated using a logistic regression model adjusting for the measured confounders. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using propensity score analysis (inverse probability of treatment weighting [IPTW] with stabilized weights) to control for confounding by indication. All study analyses were completed using RStudio Version 1.2.5033.

RESULTS

We included 81 vancomycin treated vs. 375 untreated patients with 28 infections (8/81 vs. 20/375; respectively). The adjusted OR of SSIs between the two groups was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11 to 1.34). The result of the propensity score analysis was consistent (OR: 0.97 [95% CI 0.35 to 2.68]).

CONCLUSIONS

We could not find a lower association of SSIs with intra-wound vancomycin in patients who underwent spinal surgeries. Further studies are needed to assess benefits of using topical vancomycin for this indication vs. the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Surgical Site Infection Prophylaxis and Wound Management in Spine Surgery

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a potentially devastating complication of spinal surgery that increases patient morbidity and healthcare costs. SSIs have complex and multifactorial etiologies; therefore, there are numerous opportunities for prevention and risk mitigation. The aim of this narrative review was to describe the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of SSIs in spine surgery with an emphasis on postoperative wound care. We list and describe the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative evidence-based interventions that can be applied to potentially prevent SSI after spinal surgery.

Risk factors for surgical site infection following spinal surgery in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective case-control study

ABSTRACT

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common complications after spinal surgery that result in increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. It was estimated that SSIs after spinal surgery resulted in a 4-fold increase in health care costs. The reported SSI rate following spinal surgery remains highly variable between approximately 0.5% and 18%. In this study, we aimed to estimate the SSI rate and identify possible risk factors for SSI after spinal surgery in our Saudi patient population.We conducted a single-center, retrospective case-control study in Saudi Arabia that included patients who developed SSIs, while the controls were all consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery between January 2014 and December 2016. We extracted data on patient characteristics, anthropometric measurements, preoperative laboratory investigations, preoperative infection prevention measures, intraoperative measures, comorbidities, and postoperative care.We included 201 consecutive patients in our study; their median age was 56.9 years, and 51.2% were men. Only 4% (n = 8) of these patients developed SSIs postoperatively. Postoperative SSIs were significantly associated with longer postoperative hospital stays, hypertension, higher American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) scores, longer procedure durations, and the use of a greater number of blood transfusion units.This study revealed a low SSI rate following spinal surgery. We identified a history of hypertension, prolonged hospitalization, longer operative time, blood transfusion, and higher ASA score as risk factors for SSI in spine surgery in our population. As our findings are from a single institute, we believe that a national research collaboration among multiple disciplines should be performed to provide better estimates of SSI risk factors in our patient population.

Adverse impact of smoking on the spine and spinal surgery

Background

Tobacco smokers and companies are well aware that smoking increases the risks for cancers, vascular morbidity, and early mortality. This is a review of the plethora of adverse effects chronic smoking has on spinal tissues and spinal surgery.

Methods

Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar databases were searched for pertinent literature through keywords related to smoking, spondylosis, and spinal surgery.

Results

Smoking accelerates spondylosis by impairing spinal tissue vascular supply through atherosclerosis and thrombosis, while inducing local hypoxia, inflammation, proteolysis, and cell loss. It, thus, compromises disc, cartilage, synovium, bone, and blood vessels. It can lead to early surgery, delayed wound healing, increased surgical site infection, failed fusion, more re-operations, and chronic spinal pain.

Conclusion

There is ample evidence to support surgeons' declining to operate on chronic smokers. The need for immediate and permanent smoking cessation and its potential benefits should be emphasized for the patient considering or who has undergone spinal surgery.

Postoperative lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio are useful markers for the early prediction of surgical site infection in spinal decompression surgery

PURPOSE

Although the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple biomarker for inflammation, its diagnostic value for predicting surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal decompression surgery has not been extensively investigated. We aimed to determine the predictive value of NLR for SSI in patients undergoing spinal decompression surgery.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent spinal decompression surgery. Consecutive 254 patients were divided into an SSI group and a non-SSI group based on the presence of SSI. We evaluated which markers, including NLR, differed significantly between groups. We then determined the diagnostic cutoff values of these markers for the prediction of SSI based on the significance in the univariate analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of SSI was 7 of 254 patients (2.8%). Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the C-reactive protein (CRP) level at 1 day postoperatively; neutrophil and lymphocyte percentage and NLR at 3-4 days postoperatively; and CRP level, white blood cell count, neutrophil count and percentage, lymphocyte percentage, and NLR at 6-7 days postoperatively between SSI and non-SSI groups. Among these markers, the cutoff values of lymphocyte percentage and NLR at 3-4 days postoperatively for the prediction of SSI were ≤15.1% and ≥4.91, respectively. The cutoff values of lymphocyte percentage and NLR at 6-7 days postoperatively were ≤19.8% and ≥3.21, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphocyte percentage and NLR at 3-4 and 6-7 days postoperatively were useful markers for the early prediction of SSI in patients who had undergone spinal decompression surgery. These parameters may aid in identifying patients at higher risk of SSI after spinal decompression surgery.

[Risk factors for multiple debridements of the patients with deep incisional surgical site infection after spinal surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors that contribute to multiple debridements in patients suffering from deep incisional surgical site infection after spinal surgery and advise medical personnel to pay special attention to these risk factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 84 patients who got deep incisional surgical site infection after spinal surgery from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2017. The infections occurred within 30 days after the surgery, and the identification met the criteria of deep incisional surgical site infection of Centers of Disease Control (CDC). Early debridement with first stage closure of the wound and a continuous inflow-outflow irrigation system was used, and reasonable antibiotics were chosen according to the bacterial culture results. During the treatment, the vital signs, clinical manifestations, blood test results, drainage fluid colour and bacterial culture results were acquired. If the infection failed to be controlled or relapsed, a second debridement was performed. Of the 84 cases, 60 undergwent single debridement which included 36 male cases and 24 female cases, and the age ranged from 36 to 77 years, with a mean of 57.2 years. Twenty four had multiple debridements (twice in 14 cases, three times in 6 cases, four times in 1 case, five times in 2 cases, six times in 1 cases) which included 17 male cases and 7 female cases, and the age ranged from 21 to 70 years, with a mean of 49.5 years. Risk factors that predispose patients to multiple debridements were identified using univariate analysis. Risk factors with P values less than 0.05 in univariate analysis were included together in a multivariate Logistic regression model using back-forward method.

RESULTS

Multiple debridements were performed in 28.6% of all cases. The hospital stay of multiple debridements group was (82.4±46.3) days compared with (40.4±31.5) days in single debridement group (P=0.018). Instrumentation was removed in 6 cases in multiple debridements group and 4 cases in single debridement group (P=0.049). Flap transplantation was performed in 7 cased in multiple debridements group while none in single debridement group (P < 0.001). Diabetes, primary operation duration longer than 3 hours, primary operation blood loss more than 400 mL, bacteriology examination results, distant site infection were significantly different between the two groups in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, primary operation duration longer than 3 hours (OR=3.60, 95%CI: 1.12-11.62), diabetes (OR=3.74, 95%CI: 1.06-13.22), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected (OR=16.87, 95%CI: 2.59-109.73) were the most important risk factors related to multiple debridements in the patients with deep incisional surgical site infection after spinal surgery.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes, primary operation duration more than 3 hours, MRSA infected are independent risk factors for multiple debridements in patients suffering from deep incisional surgical site infection after spinal surgery. Special caution and prophylaxis interventions are suggested for these factors.

Comprehensive treatment algorithm of postoperative spinal implant infection

Postoperative spinal implant infection (PSII) is a commonly found and serious complication after instrumented spinal surgery. Whereas early-onset PSII usually can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms, the diagnosis of late-onset PSII can be often made only by examination of intraoperatively collected samples. The treatment of PSII consists of surgical and antibiotic therapy schemes. In case of early PSII, the retention of spinal implants is a feasible option, whereas late PSII is usually treated by one-staged exchange of the spinal implants. Radical debridement of surrounding tissue should be performed in any case of PSII. The antibiotic treatment depends on either the implants can be removed or need to be retained or exchanged, respectively. If the causative pathogens are sensitive for biofilm-active antibiotic agents, the duration of antibiotic treatment amounts to 12 weeks with retention of spinal implants. In case of problematic pathogens, the application of antibiotics needs to be prolonged for an individual duration. Antibiotic treatment should always be initiated with an intravenous application for at least 2 weeks.

The Impacts of Deep Surgical Site Infections on Readmissions, Length of Stay, and Costs: A Matched Case-Control Study Conducted in an Academic Hospital in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of deep surgical site infections (dSSIs) regarding hospital readmissions, prolonged length of stay (LoS), and estimated costs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We designed and applied a matched case-control observational study using the electronic health records at the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands. We compared patients with dSSI and non-SSI, matched on the basis of having similar procedures. A prevailing topology of surgeries categorized as clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, and dirty was applied.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 12,285 patients, 393 dSSI were identified as cases, and 2864 patients without SSIs were selected as controls. A total of 343 dSSI patients (87%) and 2307 (81%) controls required hospital readmissions. The median LoS was 7 days (P25-P75: 2.5-14.5) for dSSI patients and 5 days (P25-P75: 1-9) for controls (p-value: <0.001). The estimated mean cost per hospital admission was €9,016 (SE±343) for dSSI patients and €5,409 (SE±120) for controls (p<0.001). Independent variables associated with dSSI were patient's age ≥65 years (OR: 1.334; 95% CI: 1.036-1.720), the use of prophylactic antibiotics (OR: 0.424; 95% CI: 0.344-0.537), and neoplasms (OR: 2.050; 95% CI: 1.473-2.854).

CONCLUSION

dSSI is associated with increased costs, prolonged LoS, and increased readmission rates. Elevated risks were seen for elderly patients and those with neoplasms. Additionally, a protective effect of prophylactic antibiotics was found.

Consensus on Implants in Infections After Spine Surgery

In July of 2018, the Second International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on Musculoskeletal Infection convened in Philadelphia, PA was held to discuss issues regarding infection in orthopedic patients and to provide consensus recommendations on these issues to practicing orthopedic surgeons. During this meeting, attending delegates divided into subspecialty groups to discuss topics specifics to their respective fields, which included the spine. At the spine subspecialty group meeting, delegates discussed and voted upon the recommendations for 63 questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infection in spinal surgery. Of the 63 questions, 9 focused on implants questions in spine surgery, for which this article provides the recommendations, voting results, and rationales.

Preoperative skin antisepsis using chlorhexidine may reduce surgical wound infections in lower limb trauma surgery when compared to povidone-iodine - a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

For the prevention of surgical wound infections (SSIs), local microorganism counts can be lowered by skin antisepsis prior to surgical incisions. Until now, it has been unclear which antiseptic is the most effective.

METHODS

This prospective randomized trial analyzed the efficacy of 2 frequently used agents in the reduction of postoperative wound complication rates after aseptic trauma surgery on the lower leg and foot. In the study, 279 consecutive participants were randomized; 112 received surgical skin preparations using chlorhexidine (CHX) (ChloraPrep; Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ) and 167 received preparations with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) (Braunoderm; B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany). Primary clinical endpoints were SSIs and wound healing disorders (WHDs) within 6 months after surgery. Secondary outcome variables included demographic and perioperative risk factors for SSIs.

RESULTS

Rates of WHDs and SSIs were significantly higher in the PVP-I treatment group, which experienced 9 SSIs and 12 WHDs (n = 21; 12.6%), compared to the CHX treatment group, which had 2 SSIs and 3 WHDs (n = 5; 4.5%) (P = .022). Perioperative risk factors for WHDs were obesity and longer surgery time, whereas SSIs were increased in participants with cardiovascular diseases and suction drainage. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of complications of wound healing were 3.5 times higher for PVP-I than for CHX (odds ratio = 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-11.2; P = .032).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative skin antisepsis for trauma surgery of the lower leg and foot using CHX led to significantly fewer complications of wound healing when compared to PVP-I.

Incidence of Surgical Site Infection After Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients following spine surgery and the rate of microorganisms in these cases.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Many studies have investigated the incidence and risk factors of SSI following spinal surgery, whereas no meta-analysis studies have been conducted regarding the comprehensive epidemiological incidence of SSI after spine surgery.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies that reported the incidence of SSI after spine surgery, and manually screened reference lists for additional studies. Relevant incidence estimates were calculated. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment were also performed.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included 27 studies, with 603 SSI cases in 22,475 patients. The pooled SSI incidence was 3.1%. Subgroup analysis revealed that the incidence of superficial SSI was 1.4% and the incidence of deep SSI was 1.7%. Highest incidence (13.0%) was found in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis among the different indications. The incidences of SSI in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine were 3.4%, 3.7%, and 2.7%, respectively. Compared with posterior approach surgery (5.0%), anterior approach showed a lower incidence (2.3%) of SSI. Instrumented surgery had a higher incidence of SSI than noninstrumented surgery (4.4% vs. 1.4%). Patients with minimally invasive surgery (1.5%) had a lower SSI incidence than open surgery (3.8%). Lower incidence of SSI was found when vancomycin powder was applied locally during the surgery (1.9%) compared with those not used (4.8%). In addition, the rates of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococci in microbiological culture results were 37.9%, 22.7%, and 23.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The pooled incidence of SSI following spine surgery was 3.1%. These figures may be useful in the estimation of the probability of SSI following spine surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

What Factors Predict Failure of Nonsurgical Management of a Lumbar Surgical Site Infection?

Background

One of the most frequent complications of invasive lumbar spine surgery is postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs). Although there are absolute criteria for surgical intervention (progressive neurologic deficit, sepsis, failure of medical management), the treatment of routine, uncomplicated SSIs remains somewhat unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a series of patients with postoperative surgical site infections who were treated with or without surgical intervention. The primary clinical outcome was the assessment of whether medical management alone would be sufficient to eradicate the infection.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent lumbar surgery complicated by spine infection between 2011 and 2017 was performed in order to determine what factors, if any, resulted in the need for additional surgical management. Medical records were reviewed for various demographic (e.g., age), clinical (e.g., organism), and surgical (e.g., presence of instrumentation) factors. A regression analysis was performed to identify what variables significantly increased the risk for SSI.

Results

During the 6-year period studied, a total of 74 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. There were 13 patients who failed medical management and required additional surgical management, which included irrigation and debridement. Thus, overall, medical management alone was effective in 82% of patients. In the final multivariate logistic regression analysis model, revision primary surgery had the strongest association with SSI that would require a washout. In addition, diabetes had a strong association with the occurrence of an infection.

Conclusions

Identification of risk factors associated with the need for additional surgical management may benefit from aggressive antibiotic therapy to reduce the likelihood of reoperation. Clinicians should be aware of the identified risk factors, which may help with postoperative management in at-risk individuals.

Associations between smoking and postoperative complications following elective craniotomy

BACKGROUND

Evidence of postoperative complications associated with smoking has varied. We conducted this study to clarify the relationships between tobacco smoking and postoperative complications following craniotomy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis identified 800 patients who underwent cranial surgery with general anesthesia at a medical center with 2,700 beds in Seoul, Korea between January and December 2011.

RESULTS

Prior smokers (34.8%) and current smokers (35.1%) were hospitalized for at least 11 days longer than never smokers (25.5%) (x2 = 6.74, p = 0.036). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications among never smokers (5.2%), prior smokers (9.6%), and current smokers (9.6%). The incidences of postoperative complications among prior smokers (9.6%) and current smokers (9.6%) were similar. Comparisons between never smokers (25.5%) and current smokers (34.9%) showed smokers had longer hospital stays and a higher incidence of complications (x2 = 6.74, p = 0.012). The incidence of major complications (x2 = 5.27, p = 0.024) and overall complications (x2 = 4.84, p = 0.033) were also significantly higher among smokers than never smokers. The impact of smoking status on postoperative complications was not identified.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant associations between smoking status and postoperative complications. The incidence of major complications was twice as high among smokers as among never smokers. Therefore, it is recommended to continuously monitor current smokers to prevent postoperative complications after craniotomy.

Risk factors for surgical site infections in neurosurgery

INTRODUCTION

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are of profound significance in neurosurgical departments, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. There are limited public data regarding the incidence of SSIs in neurosurgery. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of SSIs (particularly those requiring reoperation) over a seven-year period and identify factors leading to an increased risk.

METHODS

An age matched retrospective analysis was undertaken of a series of 16,513 patients at a single centre. All patients who required reoperation for suspected SSIs within a 7-year period were identified. Exclusion criteria comprised absence of infective material intraoperatively and patients presenting with primary infections. Clinical notes were reviewed to confirm presence or absence of suspected risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 16,513 patients in the study, 1.20% required at least one further operation to treat a SSI. Wound leak (odds ratio [OR]: 27.41), dexamethasone use (OR: 3.55), instrumentation (OR: 2.74) and operative duration >180 minutes (OR: 1.85) were statistically significant risk factors for reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first UK study of such a duration that has documented a SSI reoperation rate in a cohort of this size. Various risk factors are associated with the development of SSIs, making it essential to have robust auditing and monitoring of high risk patients to ensure excellent standards of healthcare. Departmental and public registers to record all SSIs may be beneficial, particularly for those treated solely by general practitioners, allowing units to address potential risk factors prior to surgical intervention.

Surgical Site Infection in Spine Surgery: Who Is at Risk?

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective literature review of spine surgical site infection (SSI).

OBJECTIVE

To perform a review of SSI risk factors and more specifically, categorize them into patient and surgical factors.

METHODS

A review of published literature on SSI risk factors in adult spine surgery was performed. We included studies that reported risk factors for SSI in adult spinal surgery. Excluded are pediatric patient populations, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Overall, we identified 72 cohort studies, 1 controlled-cohort study, 1 matched-cohort study, 1 matched-paired cohort study, 12 case-controlled studies (CCS), 6 case series, and 1 cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

Patient-associated risk factors-diabetes mellitus, obesity (body mass index >35 kg/m²), subcutaneous fat thickness, multiple medical comorbidities, current smoker, and malnutrition were associated with SSI. Surgical associated factors-preoperative radiation/postoperative blood transfusion, combined anterior/posterior approach, surgical invasiveness, or levels of instrumentation were associated with increased SSI. There is mixed evidence of age, duration of surgery, surgical team, intraoperative blood loss, dural tear, and urinary tract infection/urinary catheter in association with SSI.

CONCLUSION

SSIs are associated with many risk factors that can be patient or surgically related. Our review was able to identify important modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors that can be essential in surgical planning and discussion with patients.

The Impact of Resident and Fellow Participation in Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Postoperative complications is an important marker of healthcare quality. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of resident and fellow participation on postoperative complications in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in a multi-institutional setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of population-based surgical registry.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was utilized to generate transsphenoidal pituitary surgery patient cohorts. The attending with resident and/or fellow group was compared to the attending alone based on demographics and preoperative and postoperative variables.

RESULTS

A total of 469 cases were included in the analysis, with 315 performed with resident participation and 154 by attendings alone. The attending group had higher rates of diabetics (20.1% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.015) and patients with a history of previous percutaneous coronary intervention (6.0 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.009). Although the attending group demonstrated higher rates of surgical complications, and the resident/fellow group showed increased incidence in medical and overall complication rates, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Multivariate analysis further demonstrated lack of significance in complication rates between attendings and residents/fellows.

CONCLUSION

Resident and fellow participation in transsphenoidal surgery is not associated with significant differences in surgical complications, medical complications, mortality, operating time, reoperation rates, or readmission rates when compared to attendings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 128:2707-2713, 2018.

A Prospective Comparative Study in Skin Antiseptic Solutions for Posterior Spine Surgeries: Chlorhexidine-Gluconate Ethanol Versus Povidone-Iodine

STUDY DESIGN

This is a prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy of 2 standard antiseptic solutions, chlorhexidine-gluconate (CHG) and povidone-iodine (PD-I), in eliminating bacterial pathogens from surgical sites in posterior spine surgeries.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have shown that CHG is more effective for skin antisepsis than PD-I in joint surgeries. However, few studies have investigated the preoperative use of antiseptic solutions in spine surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 190 patients who received posterior spine surgeries were included in this study. The patients were allocated to the group treated with 0.5% CHG in ethanol (N=98) or 10% PV-I (N=92). Sterile culture swabs were used to obtain samples from the skin area adjacent to the planned incision site before preparation, after preparation, and after wound closure.

RESULTS

No differences were found between the CHG-treated and the PD-I-treated groups in the patients' age, sex, disease status, surgical site, operating time, and intraoperative blood loss. Before surgical skin preparation, bacteria grew in the cultures of specimens of 83.7% of the patients; no significant difference was found between the 2 groups. The common organisms isolated from both the cervical and lumbar spine surgical sites were Staphylococcus sp., Corynebacterium sp., and Bacillus sp. After the skin preparation, there were no significant differences observed in the culture positive rate between the CHG (3.1%) and PD-I (5.1%) (P=0.49) solutions. The culture positive rates became higher after wound closure (preop=4.2%, postop=8.4%; P=0.07). The positive rate after wound closure in the CHG-treated group (5.1%) was smaller than in the PD-I-treated group (14.1%) (P=0.046). However, no difference was found in infection rates between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

While CHG-ethanol and PD-I were equally effective at eliminating the bacterial flora from the surgical site, CHG-ethanol showed a more favorable long-lasting effect for skin antisepsis in posterior spine surgeries.

Risk factors for surgical site infection following spinal instrumentation surgery

BACKGROUND

In spinal instrumentation surgeries, surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the complications to be avoided. However, spinal instrumentation surgeries have a higher rate of SSI than other clean orthopedic surgeries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for SSI following spinal instrumentation surgeries and contribute to the prevention of SSIs by identifying high-risk patients.

METHODS

Records of 431 patients who underwent spinal instrumentation surgeries from 2011 to 2014 with a minimum follow-up period of 90 days were retrospectively reviewed. Associations of SSI with various preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors were statistically analyzed with univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Deep or superficial SSIs were observed in 15 patients (3.5%). Univariate analysis revealed significant association of SSI with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-14.4; p = 0.012) and serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dl (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.1-10.38, p = 0.012). The number of regular medications prescribed in patients with SSI (8.2 ± 5.4) was significantly more than that in patients without SSI (3.8 ± 4.4) (p = 0.001), and the cut-off value of the number of medications was 7, as derived from receiver operating characteristics analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that the number of regular medications ≥7 was an independent risk factor significantly associated with SSIs (OR 7.3, 95% CI 2.3-24.0, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that an important risk factor for SSI after spinal instrumentation surgery was number of regular medications ≥7. Number of regular medications is a simple and valuable risk index for SSI, which reflects the influence of medications and comorbidities.

Patient-Related Risk Factors for Infection Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release: An Analysis of Over 450,000 Medicare Patients

PURPOSE

To establish the rate of postoperative infection after open carpal tunnel release (CTR) on a national level using an administrative database and define relevant patient-related risk factors associated with its occurrence.

METHODS

The PearlDiver patient records database was used to query the 100% Medicare Standard Analytic Files retrospectively from 2005 to 2012 for patients undergoing open CTR using Current Procedural Terminology code 64721. Postoperative infection within 90 days of surgery was assessed using both International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for diagnoses of postoperative infection or pyogenic arthritis of the wrist and Current Procedural Terminology codes for procedures for these indications, including either open or arthroscopic irrigation and debridement. We used a multivariable binomial logistic regression model that allows for assessment of the independent effect of a variable while controlling for remaining variables to evaluate which patient demographics and medical comorbidities were associated with an increased risk for postoperative infection. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each risk factor, with P < .05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 454,987 patients met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these patients, 1,466 developed a postoperative infection, corresponding to an infection rate of 0.32%. Independent positive risk factors for infection included younger age, male sex, obesity (body mass index of 30 to 40), morbid obesity (body mass index greater than 40), tobacco use, alcohol use, and numerous medical comorbidities including diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, peripheral vascular disease, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study reinforced conventional wisdom regarding the the overall low infection rate after CTR and revealed numerous patient-related risk factors that are independently associated with an increased risk of infection after open CTR in patients enrolled in Medicare.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

The Effect of Smoking on Spinal Fusion

BACKGROUND

Spinal fusion surgery is performed about half a million times per year in the United States and millions more worldwide. It is an effective method for reducing pain, increasing stability, and correcting deformity in patients with various spinal conditions. In addition to being a well-established risk factor for a variety of medical conditions, smoking has deleterious effects on the bone healing of spinal fusions. This review aims to specifically analyze the ways in which smoking affects the outcomes of spinal fusion and to explore ways in which these negative consequences can be avoided.

PURPOSE

This article provides a complete understanding of the ways smoking affects spinal fusion from a biochemical and clinical perspective. Recommendations are also provided for ways in which surgeons can limit patient exposure to the most serious negative outcomes associated with cigarette smoking.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This study was a retrospective literature review done using the NCBI database. The research was compiled at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and the NYU Center for Musculoskeletal Care.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was done spanning research on a variety of subjects related to smoking and spinal fusion surgery. The biochemistry of smoking and fusion healing were examined in great detail. In addition, both in vivo animal studies and human clinical studies were evaluated to explore fusion success related to the effects of smoking and its biochemical factors on spinal fusion surgery.

RESULTS

Smoking significantly increases the risk of pseudoarthrosis for patients undergoing both lumbar and cervical fusions. In addition to nonunion, smoking also increases the risk of other perioperative complications such as infection, adjacent-segment pathology, and dysphagia. Treatment options are available that can be explored to reduce the risk of smoking-related morbidity, such as nicotine replacement therapy and use of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).

CONCLUSIONS

It has been clearly demonstrated from both a biochemical and clinical perspective that smoking increases the rate of perioperative complications for patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, particularly pseudoarthosis. It has also been shown that there are certain approaches that can reduce the risk of morbidity. The most important recommendation is smoking cessation for four weeks after surgery. In addition, patients may be treated with certain surgical techniques, including the use of BMPs, to reduce the risk of pseudoarthrosis. Lastly, nicotine replacement therapy is an area of continued interest in relation to spinal fusion outcomes and more research needs to be done to determine its efficacy moving forward.

Reduced Impact of Smoking Status on 30-Day Complication and Readmission Rates After Elective Spinal Fusion (≥3 Levels) for Adult Spine Deformity: A Single Institutional Study of 839 Patients

BACKGROUND

Smoking status has been shown to affect postoperative outcomes after surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients' smoking status impacts 30-day complication and readmission rates after elective complex spinal fusion (≥3 levels).

METHODS

The medical records of 839 adult spinal deformity patients undergoing elective complex spinal fusion (≥3 levels) at a major academic institution from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed. We identified 124 (14.8%) smokers and 715 (85.2%) nonsmokers. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and 30-day readmission rates were collected for each patient. The primary outcome investigated in this study was the rate of 30-day postoperative complication and readmission rates.

RESULTS

Patient demographics and comorbidities were similar between both groups, including age, sex, and body mass index. Median [interquartile] number of fusion levels and operative time were similar between the cohorts (smoker: 5 [4-7] vs. nonsmoker: 5 [4-8], P = 0.58) and (smoker: 309.6 ± 157.9 minutes vs. nonsmoker: 287.5 ± 131.7 minutes, P = 0.16), respectively. Both cohorts had similar postoperative complication rates and lengths of hospital stay. There was no significant difference in 30-day readmission between the cohorts (smoker: 12.9% vs. nonsmoker: 10.8%, P = 0.48). There were no observed differences in 30-day complication rates, including pain (P = 0.46), UTI (P = 0.54), hardware failure (P = 0.36), wound dehiscence (P = 0.29), and wound drainage (P = 0.86). Smokers had greater rates of 30-day cellulitis (smoker: 1.6% vs. nonsmoker: 0.3%, P = 0.05) and DVT (smoker: 0.8% vs. nonsmoker: 0.0%, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that smoking does not significantly affect 30-day readmission rates after complex spinal surgery requiring ≥3 levels of fusion. Further studies are necessary to corroborate our findings.

The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) Recommendations for Infection Prevention and Management

INTRODUCTION

The use of neurostimulation for pain has been an established therapy for many decades and is a major tool in the arsenal to treat neuropathic pain syndromes. Level I evidence has recently been presented to substantiate the therapy, but this is balanced against the risk of complications of an interventional technique.

METHODS

The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) of the International Neuromodulation Society convened an international panel of well published and diverse physicians to examine the best practices for infection mitigation and management in patients undergoing neurostimulation. The NACC recommendations are based on evidence scoring and peer-reviewed literature. Where evidence is lacking the panel added expert opinion to establish recommendations.

RESULTS

The NACC has made recommendations to improve care by reducing infection and managing this complication when it occurs. These evidence-based recommendations should be considered best practices in the clinical implantation of neurostimulation devices.

CONCLUSION

Adhering to established standards can improve patient care and reduce the morbidity and mortality of infectious complications in patients receiving neurostimulation.

Is There an Association of Epidural Corticosteroid Injection With Postoperative Surgical Site Infection After Surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Spine Disease?

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relation between exposure to epidural steroid injection (ESI) before surgery and occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) for degenerative lumbar spine conditions.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The effect of local ESI on the occurrence of SSI is controversial.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for degenerative lumbar spine conditions at two centers between 2005 and 2015 were identified. Primary outcome measure was SSI within 90 days requiring surgical intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 5311 patients (age 57 ± 16 years) were analyzed of which 945 (18%) had at least one ESI within 90 days of surgery. One hundred thirty-four (2.5%) patients developed an SSI requiring reoperation. No association of exposure or dose-response relationship was identified between ESI and SSI for any of the time periods (90-, 30-, and 30-90-day). Five (1.7%) of the 290 patients who had at least one ESI within 30 days before surgery had a postoperative infection compared to 129 (2.6%) of the 5021 in the non-ESI group (unadjusted odds ratio: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.27-1.64, P = 0.376). Fifteen (2.0%) of the 761 patients who had at least one ESI within 30 to 90 days before surgery had a postoperative infection, compared to 119 (2.6%) of the 4550 in the non-ESI group (unadjusted odds ratio: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.44-1.29, P = 0.296).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study we investigated whether an ESI and its timing influences the postoperative risk of an SSI. We found no association-exposure or dose-response relationship-between ESI and postoperative infection, even after adjusting for potential confounders, for any of the time periods (90-, 30-, and 30-90-day ESI). In addition, we did find that longer hospital stay, greater EBL, posterior approach, and drain placement were associated with higher infection rates.Level of Evidence: 3.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Healthy Blood Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sonora, Mexico

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can be transmitted by blood transfusion. We determined the prevalence of T. gondii infection in healthy blood donors in Hermosillo city, Mexico, and the association of infection with T. gondii with the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of blood donors. Four hundred and eight blood donors who attended two public blood banks in Hermosillo city were examined for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Of the 408 blood donors (mean age 31.77 ± 9.52; range 18–60 years old) studied, 55 (13.5%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, and 12 (21.8%) of them were also positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity to T. gondii was associated with age (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.03–2.94; P = 0.03) and tobacco use (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.02–4.29; P = 0.04). Seropositivity to T. gondii was correlated with the number of pregnancies, deliveries, and cesarean sections. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in blood donors in Sonora is the highest reported in blood donors in northern Mexico so far. This is the first report of an association of T. gondii exposure and tobacco use. Further research to confirm this association is needed.