Changes in Nasal Staphylococcus Colonization and Infection Rates After Nasal Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Disease
• Microbiology

Background:

• Nasal flora's role in post-nasal surgery infection rates is under investigation.
• Changes in nasal flora following surgery remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate methicillin-resistant or sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/MSSA) nasal colonization rates and patterns before and after nasal surgery.
• To determine if MRSA/MSSA colonization is a risk factor for developing surgical site infections.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 55 patients undergoing septoplasty, rhinoplasty, or nasal valve repair.
• Preoperative and 1-week postoperative nasal swabs and cultures collected.
• Postoperative assessment for surgical site infections and patient surveys for risk factors.

Main Results:

• Nasal MRSA colonization rose from 2% to 5%, and MSSA from 22% to 36% postoperatively.
• 11 patients (20%) showed altered nasal flora, with 9 colonized by Staphylococcus aureus.
• Neither preoperative nor postoperative MRSA/MSSA colonization correlated with surgical site infections.

Conclusions:

• MSSA and MRSA colonization are not significant risk factors for surgical site infections after nasal surgery.
• Prior nasal surgery emerged as a risk factor for postoperative infection.
• This study is the first to document changes in nasal colonization post-surgery, potentially impacting antibiotic prophylaxis strategies.