Surgical wound infection, also known as a surgical site infection (SSI), refers to an infection that occurs in a surgical incision or wound site following a surgical procedure. It is a type of healthcare-associated infection that typically arises within 30 days after surgery, but may also occur up to one year post-surgery if an implant (such as a metal rod or artificial joint) is involved.
When a surgical wound becomes infected, it can lead to various complications, including delayed healing, prolonged hospital stay, increased pain, and additional treatments or surgeries. In severe cases, it may even result in systemic infection or sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
The most common microorganisms causing surgical wound infections are bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Risk factors for developing surgical wound infections include factors such as advanced age, obesity, diabetes, smoking, weakened immune system, prolonged surgical duration, and contamination of surgical instruments or the operating room environment.
Prevention and control measures are critical in minimizing the occurrence of surgical wound infections and usually involve strict adherence to aseptic techniques, proper sterilization of surgical tools, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, and optimizing patient's overall health prior to surgery. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of surgical wound infections commonly involve wound cultures, imaging studies, removal of infected tissues, administration of appropriate antibiotics, and wound care management.
In summary, surgical wound infection refers to an infection that occurs in a surgical incision or wound site following a surgical procedure and can lead to various complications if left untreated.
