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Implementation of surgical site infection prophylaxis in children - a cross-sectional prospective study

Chiara Paganetti1, Ulrike Subotic1, Carlos Sanchez2

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, University of Basel Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|May 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) prevention in Swiss pediatric surgery varies, with inconsistent antibiotic use and regional differences. Standardized guidelines are needed for evidence-based care to reduce SSI rates in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infection Control
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients.
  • Current practices for SSI prevention in pediatric surgery often lack specific evidence and rely on local guidelines.
  • There is a need to investigate and standardize SSI prevention strategies in pediatric surgical care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate current practices for Surgical Site Infection (SSI) prevention in Swiss pediatric surgery centers.
  • To identify variations and potential areas for improvement in SSI prevention measures.
  • To highlight clinical uncertainties and the need for standardized guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • A standard period prevalence study was conducted across nine Swiss pediatric surgery centers.
  • SSI prevention measures were recorded for pediatric surgical procedures over seven days in October 2022.
  • Data collection focused on measures aligned with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Main Results:

  • 351 pediatric surgical procedures were analyzed, representing all Swiss language regions.
  • Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered in 46% of cases, with 21% lacking clear indication.
  • Regional variations were observed in skin preparation, suture use (24% antimicrobial-coated), wound dressing, and warming device implementation.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides an overview of current SSI prevention practices in Swiss pediatric surgery.
  • Identified variations highlight targets for improvement and areas of clinical uncertainty.
  • Standardized guidelines are crucial for consistent, evidence-based SSI prevention in pediatric surgery.
Abstract

Keywords:
Infection control/methodsPaediatric surgerySurgical wound infection/prevention and controlSwitzerland

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