Description: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a complication that occurs after a surgical procedure, affecting the area of the body where the surgery was performed. These infections can vary in severity, ranging from superficial infections that affect only the skin and underlying tissues to deeper infections that can compromise internal organs and cause sepsis. SSI typically presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and discharge in the affected area. Early identification and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications. SSI is an important indicator of the quality of surgical care and can influence hospitalization duration, healthcare costs, and patient recovery. Prevention of these infections includes practices such as proper patient preparation, the use of prophylactic antibiotics, and aseptic surgical techniques. SSI not only affects patient health but can also have a significant impact on the healthcare system as a whole, increasing the workload for healthcare professionals and hospital resources.
History: Surgical site infection has been recognized since the early days of surgery. In the 19th century, with the development of antisepsis by Joseph Lister, practices began to be implemented to reduce the incidence of these infections. Lister introduced the use of antiseptics in the operating room, marking a milestone in the reduction of postoperative infections. Throughout the 20th century, the understanding of microbiology and the introduction of antibiotics revolutionized the management of SSIs, although they remain a challenge in modern surgical practice.
Uses: Surgical site infections are used as an indicator of the quality of surgical care. They are monitored in hospitals and clinics to assess the effectiveness of surgical practices and infection prevention measures. Additionally, they are used in research studies to develop new prevention and treatment strategies, as well as to evaluate the impact of different surgical techniques on the incidence of SSIs.
Examples: An example of a surgical site infection is the infection that can occur after an appendectomy, where the patient presents fever, redness, and discharge at the incision site. Another case could be an infection following orthopedic surgery, where the patient develops an infection at the wound site after knee replacement surgery, requiring additional treatment and, in some cases, a new surgical intervention.
