Optimizing Surgical Site Infection Prevention in Dermatologic Surgery
Mariusz Sapijaszko1, Sana Samadi2, Eunice Y Chow1
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|December 4, 2024
Summary
Review modifiable practices to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in cutaneous surgery. Evidence supports sterile materials and skin antiseptics, but not topical antibiotics or delayed wound wetting for SSI prevention.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Disease
- Surgical Sciences
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant concern in cutaneous surgery.
- Established practices for SSI reduction require evaluation against current evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review modifiable risk factors and practices for reducing SSIs in cutaneous surgeries.
- To provide an evidence-based summary of SSI reduction strategies for dermatologists.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature using PubMed Central® and DynaMed®.
- Searched for "cutaneous surgery surgical site infection complications".
- Selected articles with pragmatic guideline recommendations.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports intraoperative factors like sterile gloves, simple hand washing, sterile materials, and chlorhexidine gluconate for SSI prevention.
- Lack of evidence for postoperative topical antibiotics, dressings, or delayed wound wetting to prevent SSIs.
Conclusions:
- Dermatologists can mitigate SSIs through modifiable intraoperative and postoperative protocols.
- Questioning established practices optimizes resource utilization and reduces SSI risks.
- An evidence-based approach to SSI prevention is crucial.
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