This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Impact of case‐relevant and case‐irrelevant communication within the surgical team on surgical‐site infection. BJS 2015; 102: 1718-1725.

Published: 5th October 2015

Authors: F. Tschan, J. C. Seelandt, S. Keller, N. K. Semmer, A. Kurmann, D. Candinas et al.

Background

Surgical‐site infections (SSIs) are the most common complications after surgery. An influence from talking and distractions during surgery on patient outcomes has been suggested, but there is limited evidence. The aim of this prospective observational study was to assess the relationship between intraoperative communication within the surgical team and SSI, and between intraoperative distractions and SSI.

Method

This prospective observational study included patients undergoing elective, open abdominal procedures. For each procedure, intraoperative case‐relevant and case‐irrelevant communication, and intraoperative distractions were observed continuously on site. The influence of communication and distractions on SSI after surgery was assessed using logistic regressions, adjusting for risk factors.

Results

A total of 167 observed procedures were analysed; their mean(s.d.) duration was 4·6(2·1) h. A total of 24 SSIs (14·4 per cent) were diagnosed. Case‐relevant communication during the procedure was independently associated with a reduced incidence of organ/space SSI (propensity score‐adjusted odds ratio 0·86, 95 per cent c.i. 0·77 to 0·97; P = 0·014). Case‐irrelevant communication during the closing phase of the procedure was independently associated with increased incidence of incisional SSI (propensity score‐adjusted odds ratio 1·29, 1·08 to 1·55; P = 0·006). Distractions had no association with SSI.

Conclusion

More case‐relevant communication was associated with fewer organ/space SSIs, and more case‐irrelevant communication during wound closure was associated with incisional SSI.

Full text

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Leading article

Network meta‐analysis of urinary retention and mortality after Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia under local, regional or general anaesthesia.

Authors: J. H. H. Olsen, S. Öberg, K. Andresen, T. W. Klausen, J. Rosenberg

Original article

Outcomes of surgery for benign and malignant adrenal disease from the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons’ national registry. BJS 2019; 106: 1495-1503.

Authors: N. Patel, R. J. Egan, B. R. Carter, D. M. Scott‐Coombes, M. J. Stechman, A. Afzaal et al.

Impact of case‐relevant and case‐irrelevant communication within the surgical team on surgical‐site infection. BJS 2015; 102: 1718-1725.

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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Network meta‐analysis of urinary retention and mortality after Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia under local, regional or general anaesthesia.

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Outcomes of surgery for benign and malignant adrenal disease from the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons’ national registry. BJS 2019; 106: 1495-1503.