The prevalence of surgical site infection is reduced by 13% by changing gloves and surgical equipment before wound closure.
Highlights:
The most common postoperative complication in the world, surgical site infection (SSI), might be decreased, according to research, by consistently changing gloves and equipment right before closing wounds.
- Surgical site infection is the most common postoperative complication
- One in eight surgical site infection cases can be prevented by consistently changing gloves and surgical instruments during wound closures
How Common are Surgical Infections
Patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) suffer from wound infections more frequently than patients in other countries. After testing the technique in Benin, Ghana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa, researchers discovered that routinely switching gloves and instruments during abdominal wound closures could prevent as many as one in eight surgical site infection cases.
Hospital Acquired Infections | Nosocomial Infections - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are acquired by patients and health personnel alike in a hospital setting. HAI can be life-threatening and need to be promptly diagnosed and treated. Major causes are bacteria, with fungi and viruses playing a lesser role.
Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are acquired by patients and health personnel alike in a hospital setting. HAI can be life-threatening and need to be promptly diagnosed and treated. Major causes are bacteria, with fungi and viruses playing a lesser role.
‘By switching gloves and other surgical supplies prior to wound closure, the occurrence of surgical site infection is reduced by 13%.’
Researchers are urging the procedure to be broadly adopted, particularly in LMICs. Co-author Mr. Aneel Bhangu, from the University of Birmingham, commented, “Surgical site infection is the world’s most common postoperative complication- a major burden for both patients and health systems. Our work demonstrates that routine change of gloves and instruments is not only deliverable around the world, but also reduced infections in a range of surgical settings. Taking this simple step could reduce SSIs by 13%- simply and cost-effectively.” Effects of Surgical Site Infections
Pain, incapacity, poor wound healing with a risk of wound disintegration, extended recovery times, and psychological difficulties are all experienced by patients who acquire surgical site infections. It can be disastrous in healthcare systems where patients must pay for their care, increasing the likelihood that they become impoverished after receiving treatment. Surgeons in any hospital can perform the straightforward and inexpensive practice of changing their gloves and tools immediately before closing the incision, which has a significant potential impact.Source-Medindia
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