[Surgical Site Infection(SSI)in Neurosurgery]

Although surgical site infections(SSIs)are usually controllable, their occasional occurrence is unavoidable. SSIs in neurosurgery comprise surgical-wound infections and surgical-organ/space infections. Data from the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance revealed an overall infection rate of 1.1% during the first half of 2020. Responses to two questionnaire-based surveys on SSI prevention and complications related to cranial implant/artificial bone revealed the real world situation in neurosurgery. In 2020, neurosurgical information was added to the practical guidelines concerning the proper use of prophylactic antibacterial drug for SSIs. COVID-19 hygiene control protocols may have reduced the incidence of SSIs. It may be prudent to continue this stringent hygiene control after the COVID-19 pandemic has abated. Information of medical material on SSI is presented in this article, including the Plus suture^®, DuraGen^®, DuraSeal^®, Adherus^®, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene(SKULPIO^®, CRANIOFIT-PE^®), Bioglide^® and Bactiseal^® shunt systems, and olanexidine. Minimizing SSIs requires proper knowledge on infection control, taking care while performing neurosurgical procedures, and compassion for the patients. In addition, information and material must be updated over time.