Does the presence of hair around a surgical wound increase the chances of a patient developing a surgical site infection (SSI)?

The presence of hair around a surgical wound does not significantly increase the chances of a patient developing a surgical site infection (SSI). While it is essential to ensure proper hygiene and antimicrobial measures during surgery, the primary factors influencing the risk of SSIs include the patient's overall health, the duration of the surgery, and the sterility of the surgical instruments and environment. Hair itself does not inherently harbor bacteria in a way that would directly contribute to an increased risk of infection.

In practice, surgical protocols often allow for hair removal in preparation for surgery; however, this is not considered necessary for preventing SSIs. If hair is removed, it should be done using proper techniques to minimize the risk of skin irritation or micro-abrasions, which could lead to infection. Certain procedures may involve leaving hair intact, understanding that its presence does not pose a significant risk.

The factors affecting SSI rates are more closely related to the surgical technique, the presence of foreign materials, contamination during the procedure, and the patient’s immunocompromised state rather than the presence of hair at the surgical site.