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Surgical Site Infection

Accurately Identifying Wound Etiology by Tissue Type and Appearance

October 22, 2020
Identifying wound etiology before initiating topical treatment is important. Additionally, correctly documenting wound etiology is significant in health care settings for many reasons. Accurate documentation and appropriate topical treatment are two critical components of a strong wound treatment plan and program. Bedside staff members should be comfortable with describing wounds, tissue types, and differentiating wound etiologies. Training should be provided by the certified wound care clinician, along with follow-up (chart reviews and documentation checks, one-on-one education as needed, and routine competency or education days). Additionally, the wound care clinician should be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan based on wound etiology, by involving additional disciplines as needed to best treat the whole patient.

Assessment of Surgical Wound Infections

September 27, 2019
By the WoundSource Editors With an associated cost of $3.5 billion to $10 billion spent annually on surgical site infections (SSIs) and complications in the United States, it is important to know how to assess for surgical wound complications. There is a difference between the normal cascade response and a brewing infection. Symptoms of infection are often the first clue that there is more occurring in the wound than meets the eye.

Bioburden Management in Surgical Wounds

September 30, 2020
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a risk for the more than 10 million patients who undergo inpatient surgical procedures every year in the United States. Between 300,000 and 500,000 Americans develop SSIs annually. SSIs are defined as infections related to an operative procedure that occur at or near the surgical incision within 30 days of the procedure, or within 90 days if prosthetic material is implanted.

Bioburden Reduction in Surgical Wounds

September 22, 2023
In the United States alone, there are between 160,000 and 300,000 surgical site infections (SSIs) each year, representing $3.5 to $10 billion in annual health care costs.

Classification and Management of Surgical Wounds

September 27, 2019
By the WoundSource Editors Wounds resulting from surgical procedures have many commonalities with wounds of other etiologies. However, there are a few notable differences in their classification, as well as in the recommended care practices that promote the healing of these wounds. In understanding these differences, it is important to understand the classification of surgical wounds.
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Classification of Surgical Site Infections

December 15, 2016
By Samantha Kuplicki, MSN, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, CWS, CWCN, CFCN Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common hospital-acquired infections, accounting for 20% of total documented infections each year and costing approximately $34,000 per episode. SSIs are responsible for increased readmission rates, length of stay, reoperation, patient morbidity and mortality, as well as increased overall health care costs.

Dehiscence: Risk Factors and Treatment

July 9, 2020
Dehiscence occurs when a surgical incision that was closed opens, either partially or completely. Dehiscence is most likely to take place within the first two weeks after surgery, but it can occur as late as one month after surgery.
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Dressing for Prevention: Effective Wound Dressing Securement for Infection Prevention

January 31, 2018
by Hy-Tape International In order to promote rapid healing, improve patient comfort and prevent complications, it is important that healthcare professionals actively work to prevent infection. One key component of that effort is wound dressing securement. Secure, gentle and effective dressings can help prevent the ingress of foreign material, reduce damage during dressing changes and help foster an ideal healing environment. This can help reduce the risk of infection, improving patient outcomes and lowering costs.1 In this post, we will explore the importance of infection prevention and effective dressing securement strategies to help prevent infection.
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Evaluation of Surgical Wounds

September 22, 2023
Successful care of surgical wounds begins with a comprehensive assessment of both the wound and the patient, including a clear understanding of the type and class of surgical wound. Psychosocial factors affecting healing and well-being, are essential to consider as well.
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