FP8.11 - Surgical Site Infection Post-operation (gowning vs not gowning): A District General Hospital Experience

Abstract Aims Increasing evidence shows that surgical site infection (SSI) does not differ significantly between main operation theatre and field sterility for many surgical procedures. This audit aimed to assess the rate of surgical site infection (comparing the operating surgeon using a disposable gown vs not using one) for emergency/elective skin procedures like uncomplicated incision and drainage of abscess, excision of lipoma, sebaceous cyst, and pilonidal sinus. Methods The electronic database was used to collect data (September-October 2023) on the type of surgery performed, number of theatre staff scrubbed in. Poster displays and informal education were used to raise awareness of theatre wastage (November 2023). All were advised to wear an apron, mask, sterile gloves, and field sterility only for uncomplicated cases. Data was recollected (December 2023-January 2024). Results 54 cases were performed in September and October 2023. All theatre staff scrubbed in and 160 gowns were used. 5/54 (9.3%) returned with wound infection and managed with antibiotics. The median of the number of days in which the patients returned post-operatively is 7 days. 24 cases were performed from December 2023-January 2024. Theatre staff in 5/24 cases did not scrub in and none of these patients returned with wound infection. Out of the other 17/24 cases, 5/17 (29.4%) returned with wound infection. Conclusions With the limitation of small sample size and multi-factorial aetiology of wound infection, surgeons who did not gown up had no increased risk of wound infection. The higher monetary and environmental costs of complete gowning without improvement of patients’ care are unjustifiable.