Related Experiment Videos
Role of selective decontamination in surgery
G W Tetteroo1, J H Wagenvoort, H A Bruining
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital Dijkzigt, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Surgery
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Selective decontamination effectively reduces nosocomial infections in general surgery patients by 50-80%. This antibiotic prophylaxis strategy targets respiratory tract and wound infections, preserving essential gut bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Surgical Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
Background:
- Nosocomial infections are prevalent in surgical patients, accounting for up to 71% of all such infections.
- In surgical intensive care units, infection rates can reach 70-80% within a week, with up to 60% mortality.
- Endogenous sources of infection highlight the need to maintain colonization resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss selective decontamination as an antibiotic prophylaxis strategy in general surgery.
- To evaluate its impact on respiratory tract and wound infections.
- To explore its role in preventing nosocomial infections by maintaining colonization resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of selective decontamination protocols in general surgery.
- Analysis of infection rates and mortality in surgical patients.
- Assessment of the impact on Gram-negative micro-organism colonization.
Main Results:
- Selective decontamination reduced infection rates by 50-80%.
- The strategy was particularly successful in preventing respiratory tract infections.
- It aims to eliminate pathogens while preserving endogenous microflora.
Conclusions:
- Selective decontamination is an effective antibiotic prophylaxis for reducing surgical site and respiratory infections.
- It offers a method to combat nosocomial infections by targeting pathogen colonization.
- Further research into adverse effects and expanded indications is warranted.