Implementation of a Bundle of Care in Colorectal Surgery to Reduce Surgical Site Infections Successfully at Cantonal Hospital Lucerne: Study Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a relevant problem in colorectal surgery. The aim of this study is to implement a bundle of care in order to reduce SSIs in colorectal surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing colorectal surgery between October 2018 and December 2021 will be included in a prospective observational study. Since our colorectal bundle has been established gradually, patients will be grouped in a pre-implementation (2018–2019), implementation (2019–2020) and post implementation phase (2021), in order to assess the effectiveness of the actions undertaken. Primary endpoint of this study will be surgical site infection (SSI) rate, while secondary endpoints encompass potential risk factors for SSIs. We assume that obesity, age, diabetes, alcoholism and smoking may lead to a higher risk for SSIs. DISCUSSION: This study aims to determine whether the colorectal bundle designed and implemented at Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, will lead to a significant reduction of SSIs. The impact of potential risk factors for SSIs will additionally be evaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04677686. Registered retrospectively 18 December 2020. HIGHLIGHTS: A bundle of care might reduce the occurence of surgical site infections after colorectal surgery. Analysis of risk factors may detect patient’s with high probability of developing surgical site infections.