Surgical site infections - review of current knowledge, methods of prevention

Abstract

This paper presentes the current state of konwledge regarding the everlasting problem in surgery- surgical site infections.

Introduction: Surgical site infections have accompanied humanity since the dawn of time. Development of medicinie has reduced their percentage, but still they are a huge problem to face with. Surgical site infections cause a significant increase in a cost of hospitalization. This is the main reason why the whole scientific world is looking for prevention of these complications.

Materials and methods: The aim of the paper is to present current views on the etiology and methods of prevention of surgical site infection.

Results: Patients own pathogens are most often responsible for surgical site infections. In hospitalizations over 5-7 days exogenous and hospital flora have the advantage. The most common isolated pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus. The percentage of MRSA-resistant methicillin strains is increasing. Pre-operative antibiotic therapy reduces the frequency of surgical site infection in many surgical procedures. Time of administration, type and dose of antibiotic play an important role in preventing post-operative infections. Pre-operative skin antiseptic is also important. The two most commonly used ingredients are chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine. Recent reports point the chlorhexidine alcohol solution as an agent with a higher degree of efficacy.

Conclusions: In 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published the new guidelines for prevention of surgical site infections. This practical tips and tricks should be implemented to every surgical procedure.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; chlorhexidine; perioperative antibiotic therapy; surgical site infections.