How to reduce the risk of surgical site infection.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are an important cause of healthcare- associated infection and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Although intrinsic factors in patients--such as age, underlying illness and site of the procedure--increase the risk, the quality of care delivered during the perioperative period is critical to preventing SSI. This article explores what is known about the epidemiology and pathogenesis of SSI, and practices that are effective in reducing the risk of SSI.