TY - JOUR
T1 - Surgical-site infections and routes of bacterial transfer
T2 - Which ones are most plausible?
AU - Ibrahimi, Omar A.
AU - Sharon, Victoria
AU - Eisen, Daniel B
PY - 2011/12
Y1 - 2011/12
N2 - Background Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are an unfortunate consequence of cutaneous surgery. Their incidence can be a significant problem for patients and surgeons. Most SSIs are presumed to originate from the patient and operating room staff. Objectives To review the potential routes of iatrogenic bacterial transfer during cutaneous surgery. Methods A review of the medical literature. Conclusions Potential routes of bacterial transfer during surgery include respiratory droplets and nuclei, skin scales carried on air currents, direct contact with the surgical team's skin, and contaminated fomites. The route with the most significant potential for iatrogenic bacterial transfer is direct physical contact. Strategies that minimize contact with infected fomites and with the surgical team would probably have the best chances of reducing the incidence of SSIs.
AB - Background Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are an unfortunate consequence of cutaneous surgery. Their incidence can be a significant problem for patients and surgeons. Most SSIs are presumed to originate from the patient and operating room staff. Objectives To review the potential routes of iatrogenic bacterial transfer during cutaneous surgery. Methods A review of the medical literature. Conclusions Potential routes of bacterial transfer during surgery include respiratory droplets and nuclei, skin scales carried on air currents, direct contact with the surgical team's skin, and contaminated fomites. The route with the most significant potential for iatrogenic bacterial transfer is direct physical contact. Strategies that minimize contact with infected fomites and with the surgical team would probably have the best chances of reducing the incidence of SSIs.
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U2 - 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02183.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02183.x
M3 - Article
C2 - 22092583
AN - SCOPUS:84355162942
VL - 37
SP - 1709
EP - 1720
JO - Dermatologic Surgery
JF - Dermatologic Surgery
SN - 1076-0512
IS - 12
ER -