Prevention of surgical site infections

Surgical site infections (SSI) are commonly classified as superficial, deep or organ/space infections in wounds that may be clean, clean-contaminated or dirty. The development of an SSI depends on patient, procedure and pathogen factors. Their incidence varies depending on procedure and they have a significant impact upon patient morbidity and healthcare resources. National guidelines compromise of a care bundle, aimed at reducing their incidence with preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors. This includes optimizing patient co-morbidities, appropriate antibiotic use, skin preparation, theatre discipline, theatre ventilation, and surgical technique. Wound care may be simple for those healing by primary intention or require specialist techniques if healing by secondary intention.