Validation of surgical site infection surveillance data in colon procedures reported to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

A validation study of 692 patients undergoing colon surgery during the fourth quarter of 2012 identified 102 surgical site infections, of which 34% were not reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network. Possible reasons for underreporting included the misinterpretation of the National Healthcare Safety Network surgical site infection definition and variations in case-finding methods. Colon procedure denominator data were also reviewed to determine inaccuracies. Error rates were highest for implant presence (34%), endoscope use (32%), and procedure duration (33%).