SURGICAL SIGHT INFECTIONS(SSIs)
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major concern in Nigeria’s healthcare system, affecting approximately 6-9% of patients undergoing inpatient surgical procedures. This translates to a substantial number of cases, considering the country’s large population and the volume of surgeries performed daily.

Definition of Surgical Sight Infections (SSIs)
SSIs are infections that occur after surgery, typically within 30 days, at the site of the surgical incision. SSIs are the leading cause of hospital readmissions after surgery, with about half the affected patients dying. The CDC healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevalence survey found that there were an estimated 110,800 surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with inpatient surgeries in 2015. Based on the 2023 HAI data results published in the NHSN’s HAI Progress Report, about a 2% increase in the SSI standardized infection ratio (SIR) related to all NHSN operative procedure categories combined compared to the previous year.
In addition, the 2023 HAI data found a 3% significant increase in SIR related to the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) NHSN operative procedure categories compared to the previous year. Additional SSI HAI data can be found in the annual HAI Progress Report. While advances have been made in infection control practices, including improved operating room ventilation, sterilization methods, barriers, surgical technique, and availability of antimicrobial prophylaxis, SSIs remain a substantial cause of morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality.
It is reported, SSI accounts for 20% of all HAIs and is associated to a 2-to 11-fold increase in the risk of mortality with 75% of SSI-associated deaths directly attributable to the SSI, SSI is the most costly HAI type with an estimated annual cost of $3.3 billion, and extends hospital length of stay by 9.7 days, with cost of hospitalization increased by more than $20,000 per admission.
Surveillance of SSI with feedback of appropriate data to surgeons has been shown to be an important component of strategies to reduce SSI risk. A successful surveillance program includes the use of epidemiologically-sound infection definitions and effective surveillance methods, stratification of SSI rates according to risk factors associated with SSI development, and data feedback. The CDC and Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, provides evidence-based strategies for SSI prevention.
Types of Surgical Sight Infections (SSIs)
There are several types of SSIs:
- Superficial SSIs: Infections involving only the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- Deep SSIs: Infections involving deeper tissues, such as muscle and fascia.
- Organ/space SSIs: Infections involving organs or spaces not opened during surgery.
Causes and Risk Factors of Surgical Sight Infections
SSIs can be caused by various factors, including:
- Bacterial contamination: Bacteria can enter the wound during surgery, from the patient’s own skin or respiratory tract, or from contaminated medical equipment.
- Poor surgical technique: Inadequate surgical practices, such as poor hand hygiene or inadequate sterilization of equipment, can increase the risk of SSI.
- Patient-related factors: Certain patient characteristics, such as diabetes, obesity, or immunosuppression, can increase the risk of SSI.
- Environmental factors: Operating room environment, ventilation, and temperature can also contribute to SSI risk.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Surgical Sight Infections
Symptoms of SSIs may include: Redness, swelling, or warmth around the surgical site, pain or tenderness at the surgical site, pus or discharge from the surgical site, fever, and delayed healing of the surgical wound
Prevention and Treatment of SSIs
Treatment of SSIs typically involves antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, surgical drainage of abscesses or infected wounds and wound care to promote healing and prevent further infection. SSIs can lead to significant complications, including prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs, increased risk of mortality, long-term disability or disfigurement and emotional distress and decreased quality of life, which is why it is cosidered of high importance to prevent any occurrence of surgical sight infections.
To combat SSIs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have issued guidelines for effective SSI prevention which include the use of touchless Surgical Scrub Sinks in theatres and touchless hospital hermetic sensor doors in bacterial-sensitive departments of healthcare facilities like theatres and procedure rooms. Further prevention measures includes: Proper hand hygiene and surgical technique, sterilization of equipment and operating room environment, the use of prophylactic antibiotics before surgery as well as optimization of patient-related factors, such as blood glucose control and smoking cessation.
In the pursuit of excellence in surgical hygiene, Rectavia Ltd proudly presents RECTA-SCRUB UV, a cutting-edge infrared surgical scrub sink that combines advanced technology with innovative design, and PORTAVIA smart hermetic doors with foot sensor and facial recognition access controls.
RECTA-SCRUB UV not only provides a superior scrubbing experience but also integrates 405nm UV light sterilization, ensuring unparalleled cleanliness and patient safety. Traditional scrub sinks often fall short in effectively removing microorganisms, compromising patient safety.
RECTA-SCRUB UV’s infrared technology provides a more efficient and effective scrubbing experience, enhancing the removal of microorganisms from the skin. The added feature of 405nm UV light sterilization takes scrubbing to the next level, providing an additional layer of protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The UV light is integrated into the scrub sink, emitting a safe and effective wavelength that damages microorganism DNA, rendering them inactive. RECTA-SCRUB UV is poised to revolutionize surgical scrubbing and hygiene, setting a new standard in patient care.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to upgrade your surgical suite with the latest innovations from Rectavia Ltd. Contact us today to learn more about RECTA-SCRUB UV and PORTAVIA SMART DOORS and how they can benefit your healthcare facility and how they can solve the problem of surgical sight infections.