Surgical wound infections in the intensive care unit -: The nurse's role

Surgical wound infections are increasing in frequency. They have a negative effect on length of stay among intensive care unit (ICU) patients and patients on other wards. The reported incidence of surgical wound infections ranges from 15% to 38%; commonly associated microorganisms include Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia coli. Risk factors for the development of a surgical wound infection include type of procedure and reason for surgical intervention, presence of comorbidities, and operating room environment. Interventions for the prevention of surgical wound infections begin in the preoperative process, and they continue throughout the perioperative and postoperative period, and even after the patient is discharged home. Prevention and management of surgical wound infections requires evidence-based care in both the ICU and on the surgical wards. This article reviews knowledge of the causes of surgical wound infections, and implications for prevention and management.