Introductory Chapter: Surgical Site Infections - A Quick Glance

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections of the incision or organ space that occur after surgery [1]. Thus, infections that occur in the wound created by an invasive surgical procedure are generally referred to as surgical site infections (SSIs). SSIs are one of the most important causes of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a definition for SSI as an “infection related to an operative procedure that occurs at or near the surgical incision within 30 days of the procedure or within 90 days if prosthetic material is implanted at surgery.” This CDC definition thus describes three levels of SSI [2]: