Surgical site infections.

Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 102359, Durham, NC 27710, USA. deverick.anderson@duke.edu

Infectious disease clinics of North America 2011 Mar

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Surgical site infections (SSIs) lead to adverse patient outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization and death. Wound contamination occurs with each incision, but proven strategies exist to decrease the risk of SSIs. In particular, improved adherence to evidence-based preventative measures related to appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the rate of SSI. Aggressive surgical debridement and effective antimicrobial therapy are needed to optimize the treatment of SSIs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.