Preventing and treating surgical site infections
Intended for healthcare professionals
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Preventing and treating surgical site infections

Lynne Pearce Health journalist

Essential information

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), at least 5% of patients having a surgical procedure will develop a surgical site infection (SSI), yet most are preventable. Infections range in severity from wound discharge, happening within 7-10 days of an operation, to a life-threatening postoperative complication. SSIs can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, causing pain and discomfort, delaying healing and recovery, and potentially extending hospital stay.

Nursing Standard. 34, 10, 61-61. doi: 10.7748/ns.34.10.61.s23

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