Surgical prophylaxis

Abstract

This chapter discusses surgical site infections (SSIs) as those related to operative procedures involving the incision site or surrounding tissues and organs. It emphasizes how SSIs increase direct and indirect healthcare costs related to prolonged hospital stays, emergency room visits, readmissions for treatment, and repeat surgical procedures. It talks about the estimated 95 million operative procedures that are performed annually in ambulatory settings and hospitals in the United States. The chapter analyzes SSIs of the incision that surrounds tissues or organs and that occur within 90 days of an operative procedure. It highlights the National Healthcare Safety Network's classification system for SSIs, which includes superficial incisional, deep incisional, and organ or space SSI.