Methodology and Background for the World Health Organization Global Guidelines on the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection

Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2018 Jan;19(1):33-39. doi: 10.1089/sur.2017.076. Epub 2017 May 4.

Abstract

Surgical site infections remain an important topic of concern for surgeons in all specialties and are currently the focus of global health agencies for prevention. Because patients have numerous co-morbidities that increase the risks of surgical site infections, and because of the emergence of more resistant pathogens, it is necessary to revise and update guidelines to assist surgeons in the prevention of these infections. This article will summarize the most recent WHO Global Guidelines for the prevention of Surgical Site Infection that will have applicability for surgeons in all countries.

Keywords: infection; prevention; surgical site.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control*
  • World Health Organization