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Surgical microbiology in risk patients undergoing abdominal surgery

I M Iturburu1, C Emparan, C Ezpeleteta

  • 1Department of General Surgery B, Basurto's Hospital, Bilbao, Spain. iturburu@hbas.osakidetza.net

Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|July 27, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elderly patients undergoing surgery have a higher incidence of surgical infections with distinct microbiological features, including a significant role of fungal infections. Specific antibiotic strategies are needed for this high-risk group.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Infections
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Elderly patients exhibit a higher incidence of surgical infections compared to the general population.
  • These infections pose significant risks for increased morbidity and mortality in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the microbiological characteristics of surgical infections in patients over 65 years of age with those under 65.
  • To identify age-related differences in pathogens causing surgical site infections.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 2,064 surgical patients over two years.
  • Microbiological analysis of 1,562 samples from surgical infections.
  • Statistical comparison using the Chi-square test to evaluate age-related differences.

Main Results:

  • Patients over 65 years had a higher rate of samples submitted for microbiological study.
  • Significant quantitative and qualitative differences in the infectious microbiological spectrum were observed in elderly patients, particularly in contaminated procedures.
  • Fungal infections were notably prevalent in the elderly patient group.

Conclusions:

  • Facultative gram-negative bacilli, aerobic gram-positive cocci, and fungi are the primary pathogens in elderly patients' surgical infections.
  • These findings underscore the need for tailored antibiotic prophylactic and therapeutic regimens for older surgical patients.
  • Age-specific microbiological profiles necessitate distinct clinical management strategies.

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