Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Ureterocalyceal Fistula: A Rare Complication of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Background. Postoperative urinary leak is a well-documented complication following partial nephrectomy. It usually presents as persistent discharge from the retroperitoneal drain, nephrocutaneous fistula, urinary collection, systemic manifestations, or abdominal symptoms. Herein, we report for the first time on a case of urinary leak postlaparoscopic partial nephrectomy which did not heal and led to the formation of ureterocalyceal fistula. Case Presentation. A 41-year-old male presented with a coincidental renal mass at the inferiomedial aspect of the right kidney. He underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. On the third postoperative day, he developed fever. CT scan showed minimal urine leak from the tumor site and a JJ stent was inserted. Due to severe bladder symptoms, the stent was removed and a perirenal drain was inserted and removed in few days. He did well initially but in two weeks, he started to develop urinary tract infections. Repeat CT scan showed ongoing urinary leak from the site of the previous surgery. Retrograde pyelography demonstrated a complete UPJ stenosis with an ureterocalyceal fistula. Trial for reanastomosis failed due to severe adhesions and small intrarenal pelvis. An ureterocalyceal anastomosis has to be performed to another calyx. Conclusion. We report for the first time on an ureterocalyceal fistula following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. This complication might be prevented by a careful dissection of the area close to the ureter or by an insertion of a JJ stent for an adequate time if a ureteric injury is suspected

[60] Can flexible ureterorenoscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy cause renal arteriovenous malformation? Report of a case

Objective: To report on the second case illustrating the possibility of developing renal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) following relatively safe flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) and holmium laser lithotripsy. The use of FURS and holmium laser lithotripsy for the treatment of large renal calculi is gaining in popularity and has been shown to be safer than percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The formation of AVM, although rare, is well-documented following PCNL. However, reviewing the literature up to June 2018, revealed only one reported case of AVM following FURS and holmium laser lithotripsy. Methods: In the current case report, a 79-year-old man with multiple comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes and Stage-4 chronic kidney disease who had previously undergone left-side extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and FURS with holmium laser lithotripsy presented with bilateral symptomatic large renal stones. He underwent simultaneous bilateral FURS and holmium laser lithotripsy and was discharged home the next day with almost clear urine. Results: However, 4 days later, he presented with gross haematuria, which required continuous bladder irrigation and blood transfusion. Computed tomography showed a left subcapsular, perinephric and retroperitoneal haematoma. Angiography revealed pseudoaneurysm in two small branches of the left main renal artery with contrast extravasation. Both branches were selectively embolised using micro-coils and the haematuria ceased. Conclusion: Although a relatively safe procedure, FURS and holmium laser lithotripsy can be associated with major complications such as intrarenal AVM. This can probably be prevented by judicious and careful use of laser energy in patients with large stone burdens and premorbid conditions

Intrarenal arteriovenous malformation following flexible ureterorenoscopy and holmium laser stone fragmentation: report of a case

Abstract Background Flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) and holmium laser lithotripsy is currently considered as one of the treatment options for large renal calculi. It has been shown to be safer than percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The latter can sometimes be complicated by the formation of intrarenal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). AVM is extremely rare following FURS and laser lithotripsy. Indeed only one case has been reported on reviewing the literature up to June 2018. We report on the second case illustrating the possibility of developing this major complication following this procedure. Case presentation A 79 years old diabetic and hypertensive male with stage-4 chronic kidney disease who previously had left extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and FURS with Holmium laser lithotripsy, presented with bilateral large renal calculi. He underwent simultaneous bilateral FURS and Holmium laser lithotripsy and was discharged home the following day with almost clear urine. Four days post-discharge, he presented with gross hematuria for which he required hospitalization and blood transfusion. CT scan demonstrated left subcapsular, perinephric and retroperitoneal hematoma. Angiography showed contrast extravasation from pseudoaneurysms in two small branches of left renal artery. Both were selectively embolized with micro-coils and this led to the cessation of the hematuria. Conclusions Despite the relative safety of FURS and Holmium laser lithotripsy, it can be associated with major complications like intrarenal AVM. This can probably be prevented by careful and judicious use of laser energy in patients with large stone burden and premorbid conditions

The degree of bother and healthcare seeking behaviour in women with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse from a developing gulf country

Abstract Background The healthcare-seeking behaviour of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is affected by several factors including the cultural background. There is limited number of studies which addressed the healthcare-seeking behaviour in women with POP. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of bother, social impact and healthcare seeking behaviour of symptoms of POP in one of the Gulf countries and compare the results to published data from other areas. Methods All women who attended the three family development centres in our city between January 2010 and January 2011 and who had symptoms suggestive of POP were included in the study. The data was collected by well-trained interviewers. Results One hundred twenty-seven women reported symptoms of POP (mean age: 38.2 years; range: 18–71). Out of these, 111 (87.4%) had at least one activity (physical, social or prayers) or sexual relationship affected by POP symptoms. In 49 women (38%), the effect on at least one of these activities or relationships has been described as moderate and in 18 women (14%), the effect was severe. Sixty-nine women (54%) did not seek medical advice due to: embarrassment to see medical doctors (51%), the belief that POP is normal among women (51%), hope for spontaneous resolution (48%), embarrassment to see male doctors (33%) and unawareness of the existence of medical treatment (30%). On univariate analysis, the need to insert the finger in the vagina to empty the bladder or bowel and the interference of symptoms with physical activities, had significantly determined healthcare seeking attitude (P < 0.05 for all). However, on multivariate analysis interference with physical activities was the only significant determinant (P = 0.04). Conclusions Although POP had affected the quality of life in the majority of the affected women, unlike some other societies, more than half failed to seek healthcare advice mainly due to shyness and embarrassment and lack of proper knowledge about the condition. Interference of symptoms with physical activities was the main significant determinants of healthcare-seeking behaviour. Additional teaching campaigns designed according to cultural backgrounds in each society are required to address these sensitive issues

Effect of diabetes mellitus on the recovery of changes in renal functions and glomerular permeability following reversible 24-hour unilateral ureteral obstruction

Background: Following reversal of short periods of ureteral obstruction (UO), glomerular and tubular renal dysfunction recovers with time. Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects glomerular function; thus, the ability of diabetic kidneys to recover from UO may be impaired. This study investigated the effects of long-term DM on the recovery of glomerular and tubular function, as well as permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB), after unilateral UO (UUO) reversal. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal streptozotocin. All diabetic and age-matched control rats underwent reversible 24-hour left UUO. The renal function of both kidneys was measured using clearance techniques 3 hours and 7 and 30 days after UUO reversal. Glomerular permeability was assessed by measuring the glomerular sieving coefficients for fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Ficoll (molecular radius: 20-90 Å). Results: Unilateral UO induced transient changes in the size selectivity of GFB small pores. However, the size selectivity function of large pores had not returned to baseline even 30 days after UUO reversal. Diabetes mellitus caused exaggerated early alterations in glomerular hemodynamic and tubular function, as well as size selectivity dysfunction of both small and large pores. At 30 days after UUO reversal, despite glomerular hemodynamic and tubular function and the size selectivity of small pores returning to normal in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats, the residual size selectivity dysfunction of large pores was more severe in diabetic rats. Conclusion: Unilateral UO caused long-term dysfunction in the size selectivity of large pores of the GFB. In addition, DM significantly exaggerated this dysfunction, indicating a more ominous outcome in diabetic kidneys following UUO