The effectiveness of high FiO2 in preventing postoperative surgical site infections in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Review question/objective The overall objective of this review is to examine the effectiveness of high FiO2 in the prevention of postoperative surgical site infections in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery. What is the effectiveness of a FiO2 of .80 in reducing the incidence of postoperative surgical site infections in adults undergoing abdominal surgery compared to a FiO2 of .40 or less? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Abdominal surgery will be defined as any type of surgery that includes an incision made in the abdominal region whether open or laparoscopic and including but not limited to appendectomy, cesarean section and colorectal surgeries. Both inpatient and outpatient procedures will be included. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This review will consider studies that include the use of a higher than normal FiO2 of at least .80 versus a normal FiO2 of .40 or lower. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include the following outcome measure: -Incidence of infection within 14 days of abdominal surgery An infection will be defined by having, but not limited to, the following signs and symptoms: fever, purulent drainage, localized pain and a positive culture of the wound.