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Updated: May 6, 2026
Surgical Technique for the Implantation of Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts and Subsequent In Vivo Monitoring
Published on: April 3, 2015
Cross-sectional study on surveillance of surgical site infections after vascular surgery
Amita Ramcharan1, John Penders, Ed Smeets
1Maastricht University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, P Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Aims:
To determine the incidence and risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) after vascular surgery, to evaluate the Dutch safety bundle to reduce adverse complications and to analyze causative microorganisms of SSIs.
Materials & Methods:
The 3.5-year study was divided into two periods: the control period (before bundle implementation) and intervention period (after implementation). Postdischarge surveillance was performed until 30 days after surgery. Causative microorganisms from in-hospital wound swabs were determined. SSI rates between both periods were compared and a risk analysis was carried out by performing a logistic regression.
Results:
The study included 1719 operations. The in-hospital SSI rate increased significantly over time. Out of 140 SSIs, 39% were diagnosed postdischarge. Risk factors were diabetes, age >60 years and operations classified as contaminated or dirty. Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility was the highest for gentamicin (97%). All Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin susceptible.
Conclusion:
As patient demographics are important to determine the effectiveness of infection preventive measures, (postdischarge) surveillance is important for developing SSI interventions.
Insights
Surgical site infections (SSIs) after vascular surgery increased over time, with diabetes and age over 60 being key risk factors. Postdischarge surveillance is crucial for effective infection prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Outcomes
- Public Health
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant threat following vascular surgery.
- Effective surveillance and risk factor identification are essential for mitigating SSIs.
- The Dutch safety bundle aims to reduce adverse complications in surgical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and risk factors for SSIs in vascular surgery.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Dutch safety bundle in reducing complications.
- To analyze the microorganisms responsible for SSIs.
Main Methods:
- A 3.5-year study comparing pre- and post-implementation of a safety bundle.
- Inclusion of 1719 vascular surgery operations.
- Postdischarge surveillance up to 30 days and logistic regression for risk analysis.
Main Results:
- The in-hospital SSI rate significantly increased over the study period.
- Diabetes, age >60, and contaminated/dirty operations were identified as risk factors.
- 39% of SSIs were diagnosed postdischarge, highlighting the importance of extended surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Patient demographics significantly influence the effectiveness of infection prevention measures.
- Postdischarge surveillance is vital for developing targeted SSI interventions.
- Understanding causative microorganisms aids in optimizing antibiotic strategies.
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