Surgical site infection
Role of antimicrobial additives in surgical lights
Tom Partington highlights the contribution of antimicrobial additives in surgical lights in reducing surgical site infections as part of a multifaceted approach.
Operating rooms are meticulously designed and maintained to provide successful medical procedures and sterility is the cornerstone of patient safety in these environments. Surgically acquired infections, known as surgical site infections, pose significant challenges to patient health and add to the burden of healthcare systems worldwide. In the UK, up to 1 in 7 hospital acquired infections are due to surgical site infections.1
One effective strategy to
combat surgical site infections is to incorporate antimicrobial additives into the surface of equipment used within surgical settings. Antimicrobial additives offer several advantages, including the prevention of microbial growth and reduced contamination risk. In this article, we will explore the benefits of antimicrobial additives and their contribution to enhanced patient care in operating rooms.
Impact of surgical site infections Infections hinder wound healing and necessitate additional medical interventions, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased patient discomfort. The impact of surgical site infections extends beyond individual patients to healthcare systems and economies. Patients who develop infections are more likely to experience extended hospitalisation, increasing the burden on hospitals and healthcare providers. The treatment of surgical site infections can involve additional surgeries, prolonged hospital stays and specialised wound care, causing significant and avoidable healthcare costs. A single case of a surgically acquired infection can increase a patient’s hospital stay by several days.1
This
prolonged stay translates to additional expenses related to medical treatments, medications, and patient care. The current issues over waiting list backlogs
are further exacerbated by surgical site infections due to the additional strain placed on already stretched healthcare systems, diverting resources from other patients. The cost to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has been previously estimated at £700 million per annum.1
The frequency and severity of surgical
site infections also have implications for the wider economy as delays in patients being able to return to work can be expected to impact national productivity. While there are severe health economics implications, the impact that surgical site infections have on patients must not be underestimated. Patients who experience surgical site infections often endure heightened anxiety, depression and emotional stress due to delayed recovery and compromised health.
Causes of Surgical Site Infections Surgical site infections result from a complex interplay of factors, including patient-related vulnerabilities, surgical techniques and the surgical environment. Patient-related factors can arise from immune deficiencies, pre- existing infections and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which contribute to poor wound healing – increasing the risk of infections. The surgical technique employed can cause
tissue trauma and contamination from non- sterile sources can elevate the risk of infection. The length of surgery can also increase the risk of infection.2
Poor adherence to operating room hygiene
protocols, including improper sterilisation practices and inadequate cleaning, heighten the risk of infections. Airborne microorganisms can also pose a risk if they can access open incisions.
Prevention strategies Efforts to combat surgical site infections require a multifaceted approach that targets all stages of patient care. This includes: l Preoperative optimisation: identifying and addressing patient-related risk factors, such as managing chronic diseases and enhancing immune function, can significantly reduce the risk of surgical site infections.
l Strict sterile practices: meticulous adherence to sterile practices, including proper hand hygiene, surgical attire, and aseptic techniques, minimises the introduction of microbes during surgery.
l Antibiotic prophylaxis: administering antibiotics prior to surgery, following established guidelines, reduces the risk of infections.
l Hygienic operating environment: maintaining a clean and sterile surgical environment
December 2023 I
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