Related Experiment Videos
Surgical site infection in the elderly population
Keith S Kaye1, Kenneth E Schmader, Robert Sawyer
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. kaye0001@mc.duke.edu
Abstract:
Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for 11% of nosocomial infections among older patients. This report reviews the available data and presents medical and surgical perspectives on the epidemiology, outcomes, and prevention of SSI in the elderly population. The risk for SSI does not seem to increase after the age of 65 years. Several risk factors for SSI are similar among elderly patients and younger patients, but financial factors and factors related to health services may differ between the groups. The clinical presentation of infection and the pathogens that cause infection are similar among elderly patients and younger patients. However, the mortality rate, the duration of hospitalization, and the costs associated with hospital care are greater for elderly patients with SSI than for younger patients with SSI. Several modalities for SSI prevention have been well studied in the general surgical population but have not been specifically evaluated in the elderly surgical population. Insights and opinions pertaining to modalities for SSI prevention in the elderly population and areas of import for future research are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management