Identifying patients at risk of surgical site complications

Identifying patients at risk of surgical site complications

Recognition of which patients are at risk of surgical site complications, and to what extent, is essential in managing that risk and guide appropriate use of interventions.

A consensus document from an expert working group advocates the use of NPWT in high-risk patients; surgery that has a high incidence of surgical site complications; surgery that has a high consequence when such a complication occurs.

Discussion of risk factors and introduction of an algorithm that enables identification of high-risk patients that can should considered for NPWT closed surgical incision management in line with key guidance.

Learning Objectives

• Recognise major and moderate risk factors for surgical site complications
• Recognise that surgery that has a high incidence of surgical site complications or surgery that has a high consequence when such a complication occurs are important
• Apply the risk stratification algorithm to identify the high risk groups that have the elevated surgical site complication rates and use prophylactic NPWT
• Consider using procedure specific risk scoring systems