Surgical Site Infections

Publication date: Available online 26 February 2016 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics Author(s): Jennifer R. Lyden, E. Patchen DellingerTeaser Surgical site infections are the most common nosocomial infections in operative patients and are associated with increased length of stay, morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure. They result from a complex interplay between patient-related, procedure-related, and microbe-related factors. Maximal prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach between surgeon, anesthetist, and hospitalist. Knowledge of effective antibiotic prophylaxis, glycemic control, and wound management is essential, as is an understanding of the impact of resistant organisms. Treatment of surgical site infections is mainly with incision and drainage. Antibiotics may be warranted if systemic signs of infection are present, such as fever, tachycardia, and leukocytosis.
Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research