Open AccessSurgical wound classification in otolaryngology: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Author(s) -
Bernstein Jeffrey D.,
Bracken David J.,
Abeles Shira R.,
Orosco Ryan K.,
Weissbrod Philip A.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
world journal of otorhinolaryngology ‐ head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2589-1081
pISSN - 2095-8811
DOI - 10.1002/wjo2.63
Subject(s) - otorhinolaryngology , medicine , reimbursement , surgical wound , surgical procedures , surgical site infection , wound care , intensive care medicine , head and neck surgery , metric (unit) , surgery , general surgery , health care , operations management , engineering , economics , economic growth
Objective To describe the issues related to the assignment of surgical wound classification as it pertains to Otolaryngology—Head & Neck surgery, and to present a simple framework by which providers can assign wound classification. Data Sources Literature review. Conclusion Surgical wound classification in its current state is limited in its utility. It has recently been disregarded by major risk assessment models, likely due to inaccurate and inconsistent reporting by providers and operative staff. However, if data accuracy is improved, this metric may be useful to inform the risk of surgical site infection. In an era of quality‐driven care and reimbursement, surgical wound classification may become an equally important indicator of quality.