Surgical site infections: preparation, technique and perioperative prevention

Abstract

All surgical procedures compromise the physical barrier of the skin, which can allow contamination with micro-organisms. Surgical site infections can be prevented through strict protocols and use of asepsis techniques before, during and after surgery. This includes the surgical equipment, instruments, environment and staff. In veterinary medicine, between 1.5% and 2.8% of surgeries result in the development of a surgical site infection. This article reviews factors contributing to the acquisition of a surgical site infection, including sterile surgery preparation and aseptic technique, in both the human and veterinary field, and considers changes which reduce the development of surgical site infections in veterinary practice.