[Myths and facts in the operating theatre]

Surgical site infections are the most common nosocomial infections. Strategies to prevent these infections are crucial. Evidence based measures like hand hygiene, treatment of nasal carriage of S. aureus, surveillance, prophylactic application of antibiotics or hair removal with electric clippers are listed in national and international guidelines. Beside these measures several myths and traditions like the application of antibiotic prophylaxis for several days or hygienic rituals in a septic operating theatre still exist. These measures are not helpful and should not be used any more. It is helpful to include effective measures in a bundle, the compliance with the bundle should be monitored regularly. Only the consequent implementation of evidence based and effective measures can help to prevent surgical site infections.