Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Gynecologic Surgery: A Review of Risk Factors and Recommendations

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a type of health care–associated infection that can cause significant patient harm. Many are preventable. Postoperative courses complicated by an SSI can equate to longer hospital stays, lost time from work, and the need for reoperation. Methods: This review addresses types of SSIs, risk factors, and best practices for preventing SSIs associated with gynecologic surgery. Results: Best practices to reduce SSIs are divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative activities. Preoperative considerations include patient showering, hair removal, glycemic control, and hand and forearm scrub. Intraoperative concerns are antibiotic prophylaxis, skin preparation prior to the start of surgery, and the operating room environment. Postoperative concerns are surgical dressing, vacuum-assisted wound closure, and patient instructions. Conclusion: Best practices should be established and followed to reduce the risk of SSI associated with gynecologic surgery.