Evidence map›Paper›PMID 28486022›Full record

Observational studySurgical infections2017

Wound Concerns and Healthcare Consumption of Resources after Colorectal Surgery: An Opportunity for Innovation?

Puja M Shah, Heather L Evans, Amy Harrigan, Robert G Sawyer, Charles M Friel, Traci L Hedrick

Abstract readObservational Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in Surgical infections, 2017. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Puja M ShahDepartment of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia.
Heather L EvansDepartment of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia.
Amy HarriganDepartment of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia.
Robert G SawyerDepartment of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia.
Charles M FrielDepartment of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia.
Traci L HedrickDepartment of Surgery, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSignificant portions of patients undergoing colorectal surgical procedures have minor incision disturbances, yet very few meet definitions for surgical site infection (SSI). We sought to investigate the natural history of incision disturbances with a focus on the patient experience and resource utilization. We hypothesize that patients who have an incision disturbance consume frequent healthcare resources in the post-operative period despite the fact that most never receive a diagnosis of SSI.

methodsA 24-month prospective observational study was undertaken at an academic institution. Patients undergoing elective colorectal operation by two board-certified colorectal surgeons were followed prospectively for 90 days. Incisions were photographed serially and clinically characterized beginning as early as post-operative day two and at follow-up visits. The primary outcome was patient concern for an incision disturbance. Three surgeons reviewed clinical data and photographs to determine the presence of an incisional surgical infection, and diagnosis required agreement from two of three surgeons.

resultsThere were 171 patients included; 31 (15%) sought evaluation from a healthcare provider for concerns related to their incision including 46 telephone calls, six emergency department visits, seven primary care visits, 10 home health and 40 surgical clinic visits. Incision erythema and drainage were the most common sources of patient concern. Mean body mass index was higher in patients with concern for incision disturbances (34 vs. 28 kg/m

conclusionsPatients undergoing colorectal surgical procedures commonly are concerned with post-operative incision disturbance, yet few are associated with a diagnosis of SSI, and in-person evaluation yields frequent utilization of healthcare resources. This presents an opportunity for secure electronic communication with the surgical team and the patient to potentially reduce consumption of healthcare resources.

Indexed as

AdultBody Mass IndexColorectal NeoplasmsColorectal SurgeryDelivery of Health CareFemaleHumansMalePhotographyProspective StudiesSurgical Wound Infectioncolorectal/anal neoplasiasurgical site infectionwound photography

Identifiers

PMID28486022
PMCPMC5510673

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.