Surgical Site Infections During the Pandemic: The Impact of the “COVID Bundle”

Abstract

Background A reduction in surgical site infections (SSIs) has been reported in several discrete patient populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, this study evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SSI in a large patient cohort incorporating multiple surgical disciplines. We hypothesize that enhanced infection control and heightened awareness of such measures is analogous to an SSI care bundle, the hypothetical ''COVID bundle'', and may impact SSI rates.