Sax 2011

from Sax H, Uçkay I, Balmelli C, Bernasconi E, Boubaker K, Mühlemann K, Ruef C, Troillet N, Widmer A, Zanetti G, Pittet D 2011
published in Results of a national study. Ann Surg 253(2):365-70
DOI 10.1097/SLA.0b013e318202fda9

Overall burden of healthcare-associated infections among surgical patients. Results of a national study.

Patients exposed to surgery have a higher HAI burden than those nonexposed.

This study aimed to assess the overall burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in patients exposed and non-exposed to surgery. The prevalence of HAI was higher in patients exposed to surgery (10.6%) compared to non-exposed patients (4.2%). The prevalence of surgical site infections (SSIs) was 5.4%. Patients exposed to surgery carried fewer intrinsic risk factors for infection but had more extrinsic risk factors such as the use of urinary and central venous catheters, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care stays. Exposure to surgery independently predicted an increased risk of HAI (odds ratio 2.43).

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