A Protocol-Driven Reduction in Surgical Site Infections After Colon Surgery

Surgical site infection (SSI) is an established quality indicator and predictor for adverse patient outcomes. Multiple strategies have been established to reduce SSI; however, optimum protocol remains unclear. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of established protocol on SSI after colon surgery.

We established a colon SSI bundle in 2017, which includes a chlorhexidine prescrub followed by chloraPrep, betadine wound wash, antibiotic infused irrigation, use of closure tray, and incision coverage with silver impregnated dressing. Retrospective analysis of a 2-y (2016-2017) prospectively collected before and after analysis of all patients undergoing elective colon surgery was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: preprotocol (PP: year 2016) and postprotocol (PoP: year 2017). Patients in the two groups were matched using propensity score matching for age, gender, comorbidities, Anesthesiology Severity Score, indication of procedure, and procedure type. Outcome measures were SSI, hospital length of stay, and readmission rate.

A total of 328 patients were analyzed, and after propensity matching, 94 patients (PP:47 and PoP:47) were included. The mean age was 63.7 ± 16.4 y, 43.6% male, and 44.6% of procedures were performed laparoscopically. There was no difference in demographics, comorbidities, and procedure details between two groups. PoP patients had significantly lower superficial (odds ratio: 0.91 [0.74-0.98]; P = 0.045) and deep SSI (odds ratio:0.97 [0.65-0.99]; P = 0.048) than PP patients. PoP patient had shorter length of stay (P = 0.049) and trend toward lower readmission rate (P = 0.098) compared with PP patients and an 85% reduction in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services standardized infection rate.

Protocol-driven patient care improves patient outcomes. SSI bundle reduced SSI in patient undergoing colon surgery. Establishing national SSI bundles will help standardize care and help optimize patient outcomes.