Objective:

To evaluate the impact of reduced operating room ventilation during unoccupied periods on postoperative outcomes.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Lower rates of superficial SSI (7.8% vs 8.7%) and deep SSI (0.5% vs 0.8%) post-implementation.
• Slight decreases in 30-day mortality (1.5% vs 1.7%) and 90-day mortality (2.9% vs 3.2%).
• Median length of stay was slightly shorter after the intervention.
• No significant differences in SSI, ICU admission, or 30-day mortality after adjusting for patient and procedural factors.
• Annual electricity consumption decreased by approximately 1.35 million kWh, resulting in nearly $135,000 in cost savings.

Interpretation:

Reduced ventilation during unoccupied periods may lower energy use without adversely affecting measured patient outcomes.

Limitations:

• Observational, single-center design limits generalizability.
• Residual confounding could not be excluded.

Conclusion:

The findings support optimization of ventilation practices within existing guidelines without compromising patient safety.

Sources:

• JAMA Surgery
Source

Based on findings from:

OR Air Setbacks May Not Affect Outcomes

Andrea Surnit. MDSpire News, 2026.

https://news.mdspire.com/surgery/articles/or-air-setbacks-may-not-affect-outcomes/

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