Surgical site infection

A surgical site infection is an infection involving an incision or tissue, organ, or space affected by an operation. It may appear during the postoperative period and range from superficial to deep.

Surgical wound classification: A system that groups operations by the degree of microbial contamination present at the operative site. The wound category helps estimate infection risk before an infection develops.
Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis: Antibiotics given around the time of surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative infection. Correct timing and selection can prevent infections without prolonged antibiotic exposure.
Sepsis: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. A surgical infection can spread and trigger this systemic emergency.
Surgical site infection surveillance: The systematic collection and review of data on infections following surgery. Surveillance defines case rates but depends on consistent follow-up and case definitions.
Surgical site infection classification: A system distinguishing superficial incisional, deep incisional, and organ/space surgical site infections. These categories locate infection by the tissues involved.
Skin antisepsis: The use of antiseptic agents to reduce microorganisms on the skin before a procedure. Preoperative skin preparation lowers microbial burden at the incision site.
Surgical wound dehiscence: The partial or complete separation of a surgical wound's edges after closure. Infection can impair healing and contribute to wound breakdown.
Antimicrobial resistance: The ability of microorganisms to withstand medicines that would otherwise inhibit or kill them. Resistance narrows treatment options for infections caused by resistant organisms.
Biofilm: A community of microorganisms attached to a surface and embedded in a self-produced matrix. Biofilms on implants can protect bacteria from host defenses and antimicrobial treatment.
Surgical hand antisepsis: The reduction of microorganisms on the hands and forearms of surgical personnel before an operation. It limits transfer of microbes into the sterile operative field.

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