Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 22, 2025

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
06:43

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

Published on: November 21, 2017

24.4K

The influence of operating room temperature and humidity on surgical site infection: A multisite ACS-NSQIP analysis

Jacob B Hammond1, Grace M Madura1, Yu-Hui H Chang2

  • 1Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA.

American Journal of Surgery
|July 23, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intraoperative temperature and humidity levels do not significantly impact surgical site infection (SSI) risk. This study found no increased risk of SSI from significant deviations in ambient operating room conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Safety
  • Infection Control
  • Environmental Monitoring in Healthcare

Background:

  • Limited research exists on the relationship between intraoperative environmental conditions and surgical site infections (SSIs).
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between intraoperative ambient temperature and relative humidity and the risk of developing superficial surgical site infections (SSIs).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 14,519 operations from three centers (2016-2020) reported to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP).
  • Intraoperative ambient temperature (°F) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded at 15-minute intervals.
  • Multi-level logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the primary endpoint: superficial SSI.

Main Results:

  • No significant increase in SSI risk was observed with low or high intraoperative temperatures (ORs ranging from 0.95 to 1.13).
  • Similarly, low or high relative humidity did not significantly elevate SSI risk (ORs ranging from 0.61 to 0.96).
  • Combined analysis of temperature and humidity also showed no increased risk for SSI.

Conclusions:

  • Significant deviations from typical intraoperative temperature and humidity ranges are not associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections.
  • Current intraoperative environmental parameters may not be a critical modifiable factor for preventing superficial SSIs.

More Related Videos

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds04:58

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds

Published on: October 20, 2012

12.0K
Preparation and High-temperature Anti-adhesion Behavior of a Slippery Surface on Stainless Steel10:52

Preparation and High-temperature Anti-adhesion Behavior of a Slippery Surface on Stainless Steel

Published on: March 29, 2018

7.6K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.0K
Factors Affecting Body Temperature01:28

Factors Affecting Body Temperature

As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may  include:
4.5K
Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
3.4K
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
2.7K
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature01:27

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Temperature

Microorganisms display remarkable adaptations, enabling them to thrive in diverse ecological niches across a wide range of temperatures. Temperature profoundly influences microbial growth by affecting enzymatic activity, membrane fluidity, and other cellular processes.Each microorganism operates within a specific temperature range defined by three cardinal points: minimum, optimum, and maximum. Below the minimum temperature, membranes lose fluidity, halting transport processes. Above the...
68
Asepsis01:28

Asepsis

The condition of being free from disease-causing living pathogens is asepsis. Aseptic techniques include a set of standard practices to achieve asepsis. An example is the regular environmental cleaning of all parts of the healthcare facility and hand hygiene at home before preparing or eating food. Medical and surgical asepsis in healthcare practice protects patients from harmful pathogens, minimizes the risk of contamination of susceptible sites, and reduces the risk of infection transmission.
2.2K