What does SSI stand for in the context of surgical infections?

In the context of surgical infections, SSI stands for Surgical Site Infection. This term refers to infections that occur at or near the surgical incision site within 30 days after the surgical procedure. SSIs are a significant concern in surgical practice due to their potential to lead to serious complications, extended hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Understanding the significance of surgical site infections is crucial for surgical technologists and other healthcare professionals because it highlights the importance of sterile techniques, proper patient preparation, and postoperative care to minimize the risk of infections. Awareness of SSI also drives protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis, monitoring for signs of infection, and implementing infection control measures in surgical settings.