Prevention of surgical site infections in gynecology and obstetrics:a literature review and proposed management algorithm
Accepted: July 4, 2024
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Surgical site complications are a major unresolved health problem, negatively impacting patients' postoperative course and public health expenditure. Currently, there is a lack of clear guidance on preventive strategies for surgical site infection (SSI) in gynecologic and obstetric surgery; therefore, we present a literature review and propose an algorithm for surgical wound management in this setting. A literature review including papers published in English between January 1965 and February 2022 on the prevention of surgical site infections following obstetric or gynecologic surgery was conducted. A total of 118 publications were identified. Only papers that described preventive strategies for surgical site infections were considered relevant (n = 27). In the end, 8 studies were included and analyzed in this review. We propose an algorithm based on the identified risk factors. Based on the risk category, the most appropriate type of postoperative dressing for the individual patient is identified. Finally, using a dedicated form, we also proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of the dressing used, in relation to both the wound characteristics at the postoperative visit and the degree of comfort and satisfaction expressed by the patient. The identification of clear risk factors and specific preventive conduct, tailored to the individual patient, is intended to facilitate the physician in the daily management of the surgical wound, improving the outcome of surgery. Our main effort is to obtain a simple tool in surgical wound management to disseminate it in our clinical practice.
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