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Surgical infections in the critically ill
Renae E Stafford1, John A Weigelt
1Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. rstaffor@mcw.edu
Abstract:
Surgical infections in the critically ill patient population are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Intra-abdominal and surgical soft-tissue infections are responsible for a significant proportion of the disease burden. Multiple risk factors have been identified that are associated with the development of surgical infections and subsequent morbidity and mortality. The microbiologic spectrum associated with these infections is broad and is determined by the site from which the infection arises and whether the infection is community acquired or nosocomial in origin. The diagnosis and management of these infections require a high index of suspicion, prompt surgical intervention, and adequate antibiotic therapy and resuscitation. Therefore, these infections present a challenge to the intensivist caring for a critically ill patient.
Insights
Surgical infections in critically ill patients cause significant harm. Prompt diagnosis, surgical intervention, and antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing these challenging infections.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Surgical infections
Background:
- Surgical infections are a major cause of death and illness in critically ill patients.
- Intra-abdominal and soft-tissue infections contribute significantly to this burden.
- Numerous risk factors are linked to developing surgical infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing surgical infections in critically ill patients.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt intervention and appropriate therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of risk factors for surgical infections.
- Analysis of the broad microbiologic spectrum of these infections.
- Discussion of diagnostic and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Surgical infections present a broad microbiologic spectrum influenced by infection origin (community vs. nosocomial).
- Effective management requires a high index of suspicion.
- Prompt surgical intervention, adequate antibiotics, and resuscitation are key.
Conclusions:
- Surgical infections pose a significant challenge for intensivists.
- Multifaceted management strategies are essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Early recognition and intervention are critical for reducing morbidity and mortality.