Surgical site infection: the host factor.

More than 30 million surgical procedures are performed annually in the United States, and surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major postoperative complication. Although bacteria contaminate all surgical wounds, not all wounds become infected. In most cases, the host response eradicates the microbes. The patient's (ie, host's) responsiveness, therefore, is an important variable in the equation of factors that influence the rate of infection. Optimizing the patient's physiological condition can help prevent SSIs. Initiatives that show promise in reducing SSI rates include use of supplemental oxygen, maintenance of core body temperature, and rigorous management of blood sugar. Perioperative nurses play an important role as the patient's infection control advocate.