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Article: Infection prevention and control in the operating theatre: reducing the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs).(OPEN LEARNING ZONE)
- Article from:
- Journal of Perioperative Practice
- Article date:
- May 1, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 Association for Perioperative Practice. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Introduction
SSIs still occur all too frequently, affecting around 1% of joint replacement operations and up to 10% of patients undergoing bowel surgery (HPA 2007a). The consequences of such infections can be catastrophic: extended recovery times, more time in hospital, patient discomfort, disability and even death (Plowman et al 2001). Treatment of postoperative infections can be costly and time-consuming, and may involve further surgery.
SSIs arise when micro-organisms enter a normally sterile environment, for example when a surgical instrument penetrates and compromises the integrity of the skin. Potential sources of micro-organisms in the operating ...