[Surgical site infection (SSI) and postoperative infection]

Abstract

Infectious diseases, surgical site infections (SSI) in particular are the most popular perioperative complications, and not only the treatment but also prevention is extremely important. The inappropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical patients accelerated the development of drug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or multiple-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP) infections. With this as a turning point, improvements in the choice and the usage of prophylactic antibiotic agents are being discussed in Japan. The importance of the preservation of the normal intestinal bacterial flora and the proper usage of the antibiotics became clear and guidelines have been established. It is important to make a distinction between prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic administration in the perioperative period. The anti-cross infection measure with the observance of Standard Precautions is also important in infection control.