Simple adjustments can make surgery safer
The protocols would benefit at-risk patients in countries with limited resources
Two teams of experts from the University of
Birmingham in the UK have devised easy-toimplement procedures that can lower post-op surgery risk and make services more resilient in emergency scenarios , especially in low-and-middle-income countries ( LMIC ).
In the first study , researchers demonstrated that simply replacing surgical gloves and tools before closing wounds could reduce surgical site infection ( SSI ), the most common complication associated with surgery globally and a widespread problem in many LMICs .
Researchers tested the procedure in Benin , Ghana , India , Mexico , Nigeria , Rwanda , and South Africa , and found that regular changing of gloves and instruments for closure of abdominal wounds could prevent one in eight SSI cases .
“ Surgical site infection is the world ’ s most common postoperative complication - a major burden for both patients and health systems . Our work demonstrates that routine change of gloves and instruments is not only deliverable around the world , but also reduced infections in a range of surgical settings . Taking this simple step could reduce SSIs by 13 % - simply and cost-effectively ,” Dr Aneel Bhangu , consultant surgeon at the University of Birmingham and study co-author , said in a press release .
This could make a difference for people ’ s health as much as their wallet , as patients with SSI can experience pain , disability , longer recovery times , and psychological problems . If they have to pay out of pocket for their care , this could also lead them to financial ruin .
In the second study , researchers compiled the Surgical Preparedness Index ( SPI ) that helps hospitals better prepare to continue performing planned procedures during pandemics , heatwaves , and natural disasters that often lead to cancellations of many elective procedures .
By analysing how hospitals around the world managed to carry out elective surgery during COVID-19 , researchers pinpointed the features that make a hospital more resilient during emergency situations . The SPI was designed by clinicians from 32 countries and scores of hospitals based on their infrastructure , equipment , staff , and processes for elective surgery .
Though they found most hospitals were poorly prepared to cope with the pandemic , they also showed that a 10 point increase in the SPI score translated into four more patients having surgery out of 100 on the waitlist .
“ Our new tool will help hospitals internationally improve their preparation for external stresses ranging from pandemics to heatwaves , winter pressures and natural disasters . We believe it helps hospitals to get through their waiting lists more quickly , and prevent further delays for patients . The tool can be completed easily by healthcare workers and managers working in any hospital worldwide - if used regularly , it could protect hospitals and patients against future disruptions ,” Dr James Glasbey , lead author and a research fellow at the University of Birmingham , said in a press release .
Professor Dion Morton , Barling Chair of Surgery at the University of Birmingham , added that many postoperative deaths could be prevented with more investment in research , staff training , equipment , and better hospital facilities .
Many postoperative deaths could be prevented with more investment in research , staff training , equipment , and better hospital facilities .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 5 | 2022
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