Surgical Site Infections – Clinical and Therapeutical Updates
March 26, 2010
| Abstract Title: | Surgical Site Infections – Clinical and Therapeutical Updates |
| Authors: | Mihaela Oltean, Daniel Ciurdariu |
| Affiliation: | Clinical County Emergency Hospital, Arad, Romania “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Romania |
| Abstract text: | Wound healing is a continuum of complex interrelated biological processes at molecular level. Healing divide into inflammatory, proliferative and maturation phases. The wound continuously undergoes remodeling trying to achieve a state similar to that prior to injury. The wound has 70-80 % of its original tensile strength at 3-4 months postoperative. Surgical site infections account for 14-15 % of the estimated 2 millions nosocomial infections affecting hospitalized patients in the United States. In UK, the incidence of hospital acquired infection related to surgical wounds is 10%. Surgical site infection definition: superficial incisional, deep incisional and organ/space surgical site infection. All surgical wounds are contaminated by microbes, but in most cases, infection does not develop because innate host defense are quite efficient in the elimination of contaminants. A complex interplay between host, microbial and surgical factors determines the prevention or establishment of a wound infection. The concept of prophylactic antibiotics was established in the 1960’s, when experimental data established that antibiotics had to be in the circulatory system at a high enough dose at the time of incision, to be effective. General agreement exists that prophylactic antibiotics are indicated for clean – contaminated and contaminated wounds. Antibiotics for dirty wounds are part of the treatment because infection is established already. Clean procedures are an issue of debate. No doubt exists regarding the use of prophylactic antibiotics in clean procedures in which prosthetic devices are inserted. Treatment is individualized to the patient, the wound and the nature of the infection. Continuous progress in understanding the biology of infection at the surgical site and consistent applications of proven methods of prevention will further reduce the frequency, cost and morbidity associated with surgical site infections. |
| Keywords: | surgical, site, infection, microbes, antibiotherapy |
| Presentation type: | Oral |
| Correspondence: | Spitalul Clinic Judetean Arad, Calea Victoriei nr. 1 |
| Email: | danielciurdariu@yahoo.com |
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