To develop an expert consensus on the management of superficial and deep incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) among a multidisciplinary panel of experts.
Key Findings:
SSIs account for 18.4% of acute care-associated infections, with a significant mortality rate.
Risk factors for SSIs include type and duration of surgery, as well as patient characteristics like obesity and diabetes.
Causative pathogens are primarily commensal bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common.
Consensus was achieved on 62 out of 73 items related to SSI management.
Interpretation:
The findings highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing SSIs, emphasizing the need for awareness of local epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance.
Limitations:
The study's focus on European experts may limit generalizability to other regions.
Consensus items may not fully address all aspects of SSI management due to the exclusion of organ/space infections.
Conclusion:
The expert consensus provides a framework for improving SSI management, underscoring the need for ongoing education and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
