Incidence of postoperative infection in a free-standing ambulatory surgery center

A 1-year study was undertaken at the Hugar Surgery Center, a freestanding ambulatory surgery center, to determine the infection rate for outpatient podiatric surgery. One hundred and forty-eight patients underwent foot surgery that included digital, soft tissue, metatarsal, simple bunionectomies, complex hallux abducto valgus correction with osteotomy and internal fixation, first metatarsophalangeal joint implant arthroplasty, midfoot, and rearfoot procedures. An infection rate of 1.35% was identified. The study indicates all types of podiatric surgery may be performed at ambulatory surgery centers without increased risk of postoperative infection. Infection rate of 1.35% is quite acceptable for clean foot surgery and compares rather favorably with hospital infection rates.