1009 Surgical Site Infection: An Overview

Abstract Aim Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) in the UK is a national programme led by frontline clinicians to help reduce variations in various service parts in different medical specialities. Through this study, we can help mitigate enormous human pain and suffering and will save doctors' and nurses’ time and government/patients' money. This is the 2nd cycle of this audit. The aim is to reduce surgical site infection with measures to reduce hospital infections and disease-associated morbidity and mortality. Method Study conducted over one month- 1st to 30th June 2021. All General Surgical elective and emergency cases are included. Visited A&E and GP as Wound infection postop 30 days. Retrospective analysis of all case records of the admitted and readmitted patients in general surgery. Results 22 patients had wound infection (15%) in this audit cycle out of 151 patients. Although most SSIs are post-emergency surgery, the ‘elective bowel resection’ category has the highest 30-day wound infection rate. More patients received antibiotic prophylaxis in this audit compared to the previous one. Most are superficial wound infections, with 6 delayed discharges in this audit compared to 11. Conclusions Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication after colorectal surgery, with a reported incidence ranging from 3% to 30%. Using alcohol preparation on the skin will reduce infection. In an era of enhanced recovery, early recognition and prompt treatment of SSIs should be at the forefront of medical care for patient safety and the cost-effectiveness of treatment.