Surgical site infections (SSI) are defined as infections in the area of the skin where the incision is made, below the incision in muscles, and in other parts of the body involved in the surgery.

According to a Loyola University Health System study, SSIs are the most common and costly of all hospital-acquired infections, accounting for 20 percent of them.

Ontario Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has ways that hospitals and clinics are trying to cut down on SSIs.

What Post-operative Dressing is Best?
There are no documented studies on which methods are better than others, but they all have standard hallmarks: permeability to allow for oxygen to help heal the wound (but impermeable to bacteria), antimicrobials to prevent bacteria growing inside the dressing, and insulated enough to provide a moist healing environment.

When Should the Wound Be Covered?
Wounds from incisions should be covered for at least 48 hours. If there is no drainage, the dressings then can be removed and left to the open air to heal.

Should Swabs or Biopsies Be Used to Detect Infections?
According to the article, swab cultures do not accurately measure the bacterial load in the wound bed, which can lead to incorrect usage of antiseptics and antibiotics. Fluorescence imaging can better detect the presence of bacteria, and then a biopsy can be performed.

What Can Cut Down on Risk?
Studies show that smokers are at a higher risk for SSIs, and being able to control blood sugar is important in the times during and after surgery. Hair in the surgical site should also be removed by clippers instead of a razor because a razor can cause small cuts that bacteria can enter the skin through.