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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-02-2011

Measures to Prevent Surgical Site Infections: What Surgeons (Should) Do

Authors: Michele Diana, Martin Hübner, Marie-Christine Eisenring, Giorgio Zanetti, Nicolas Troillet, Nicolas Demartines

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 2/2011

Abstract

Background

The present study was designed to evaluate surgeons’ strategies and adherence to preventive measures against surgical site infections (SSIs).

Materials and methods

All surgeons participating in a prospective Swiss multicentric surveillance program for SSIs received a questionnaire developed from the 2008 National (United Kingdom) Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines on prevention and treatment of SSIs. We focused on perioperative management and surgical technique in hernia surgery, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and colon surgery (COL).

Results

Forty-five of 50 surgeons contacted (90%) responded. Smoking cessation and nutritional screening are regularly propagated by 1/3 and 1/2 of surgeons, respectively. Thirty-eight percent practice bowel preparation before COL. Preoperative hair removal is routinely (90%) performed in the operating room with electric clippers. About 50% administer antibiotic prophylaxis within 30 min before incision. Intra-abdominal drains are common after COL (43%). Two thirds of respondents apply nonocclusive wound dressings that are manipulated after hand disinfection (87%). Dressings are usually changed on postoperative day (POD) 2 (75%), and wounds remain undressed on POD 2–3 or 4–5 (36% each).

Conclusions

Surgeons’ strategies to prevent SSIs still differ widely. The adherence to the current NICE guidelines is low for many procedures regardless of the available level of evidence. Further research should provide convincing data in order to justify standardization of perioperative management.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Measures to Prevent Surgical Site Infections: What Surgeons (Should) Do
Authors: Michele Diana
Martin Hübner
Marie-Christine Eisenring
Giorgio Zanetti
Nicolas Troillet
Nicolas Demartines
Publication date: 01-02-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-010-0862-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Measures to Prevent Surgical Site Infections: What Surgeons (Should) Do

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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