RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Outcomes of Negative Pressure Wound Therapies in the Management of Spine Surgical Site Wound Infections
JF International Journal of Spine Surgery
JO Int J Spine Surg
FD International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
SP 772
OP 777
DO 10.14444/7110
VO 14
IS 5
A1 SWAMY KURRA
A1 AYMEN RASHID
A1 HENAKU YIRENKYI
A1 PATRICK CASTLE
A1 WILLIAM F. LAVELLE
YR 2020
UL http://ijssurgery.com//content/14/5/772.abstract
AB Background: Many studies report benefits using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in surgical site infections (SSIs). We measured and compared efficacy and complications associated with NPWT for traditional versus suprafascial vacuum-assisted closures (VACs).Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive SSIs managed with negative wound therapy after spinal procedures between 2012 and 2015 from a single, academic center. Patients were collected through International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, procedure codes. Inclusion criteria were patients with spine SSIs managed by irrigation and debridement with a VAC device; infection occurring after spinal surgeries; and age over 18. A total of 23 consecutive patients met the criteria. We reviewed demographic data, surgical data, infectious disease data, discharge summaries, and postoperative follow-up charts. We compared and analyzed demographics, duration of VAC therapy, and reoperation rates between VAC groups. Statistical analysis was completed using analysis of variance and χ2 tests; P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 7 patients had traditional VACs (Group 1), and 16 patients had suprafascial VACs (Group 2). Average blood loss and number of levels involved during index surgery were not statistically significant between groups. Locations of infection occurrence were cervical spine = 3, thoracic spine = 1, and lumbar spine = 19. Reoperation rate after initial wound VAC placement was 34%, with rates significantly higher for Group 1 (71%) than Group 2 (16%), P = 0.02. Average duration of wound therapy was longer in Group 1 (77 days) than Group 2 (33 days), P = 0.08. Average number of operating room visits after initial wound VAC implantation were 0.7 for Group 1 and 0.3 for Group 2, P = 0.26, before obtaining a clean wound closure.Conclusions: Small sample size and retrospective nature were limitations. Negative pressure wound therapy may be useful for managing spinal infections, and suprafascial VAC had less time duration, lower risk of sponge fragment retainment, and fewer procedures to ultimately achieve wound closure.Level of Evidence: 3.