Surgical Site Infections
Surgical site infections are a common and widespread problem, causing more complex health problems for the patient and putting greater financial pressure on health services due to the need for otherwise unnecessary extended stays in hospital.
What is a surgical site infection?
A surgical site infection is an infection that develops around the area of the surgery or surgical incision within 30 days of the surgical procedure.
More than 5% of patients undergoing surgery develop a surgical site infection.
Patients undergoing surgery are susceptible to the development of infection in that area because surgery necessitates an open wound, allowing bacteria to enter the patient's body.
The impact of surgical site infections
A number of infections may develop following surgery such as cellulitis or an abscess, but some are of considerable significance:
- An infection following surgery can lead the development of sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection which can threaten the functioning of the patient's major organs
- Allowing bacteria to access the patient's deep tissue can facilitate the development of necrotising fasciitis, a swift-moving infection which destroys the body's tissue and threatens the patient's life
Preventing surgical site infections
Consequently, both the WEHO (World Health Organisation) and NICE (National Institute for Health and care Excellence have issued guidelines to encourage the prevention of surgical site infection.
In addition to stressing the need for high levels of hygiene for all personnel connected with the patient and the operation, the guidelines focus strongly on the need for prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection developing as a result of the surgical procedure.
The guidelines from NICE state the following:
- Give antibiotic prophylaxis to patients before:
- Clean surgery involving the placement of a prosthesis or implant
- Clean-contaminated surgery
- Contaminated surgery
Risk factors
The administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the monitoring for any subsequent signs of infection is likely to be of particular significance in relation to those patients who are at high risk of succumbing to infection:
- Anyone with a weakened immune system, whether due to pre-existing conditions or medication
- The elderly
- Anyone suffering with diabetes
- Anyone who is obese
- Patients who have had an extended stay in hospital
Some areas of surgery are also more susceptible to infection than others such as the following:
- Abdominal surgery
- Knee replacement surgery
- Hip replacement surgery
- Caesarean section
- Surgery that is expected to be of substantial duration
Patients who come into these categories of surgery or personal characteristics merit close consideration as to prevention and monitoring of infection.
Medical Negligence
Where a patient develops a serious, life-changing surgical infection due to a failure of care, they might be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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