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Surgical Site Infection: The Host Factor
Author(s) -
Fry Donald E.,
Fry Rosemary V.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2007.06.022
Subject(s) - perioperative , surgical site infection , medicine , host factors , surgical procedures , infection control , host (biology) , intensive care medicine , perioperative nursing , infection rate , surgery , immunology , biology , ecology , virus
MORE THAN 30 MILLION surgical procedures are performed annually in the United States, and surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major postoperative complication. ALTHOUGH BACTERIA contaminate all surgical wounds, not all wounds become infected. In most cases, the host response eradicates the microbes. The patient's (ie, host's) responsiveness, therefore, is an important variable in the equation of factors that influence the rate of infection. OPTIMIZING THE PATIENT'S PHYSIOLOGICAL condition can help prevent SSIs. Initiatives that show promise in reducing SSI rates include use of supplemental oxygen, maintenance of core body temperature, and rigorous management of blood sugar. Perioperative nurses play an important role as the patient's infection control advocate. AORN J 86 (November 2007) 801–810.