The Socioeconomic Impact of Surgical Site Infections.

Emmanuel Piednoir,Patrice Baillet,Joan Robert-Yap,Emilie Lermite,Niki Christou

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.712461

Abstract

Précis: Surgical site infections are an ever-increasing phenomenon worldwide due to different factors. This brief report aimeds to highlight at a glance, for both physicians and political and institutional leaders, the economic burden of surgical site infections.Objectives: This brief report aimed to highlight the economic burden of surgical site infections (SSIs).Methods: A narrative review focusing on this subject has been carried out.Results: Surgical site infections are responsible for generating important costs. In 2017, a French cohort highlighted a mean cost of each SSI treatment to be around €1,814; the same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines evaluated the mean cost caused by SSI treatment to be from $10,443 to $25,546 per SSI. This cost depends on many factors including the patient himself and the type of surgery.Conclusions: Prevention of the risk of infection is, therefore, a profitable concept for surgery that must be integrated within all healthcare managements worldwide.

Highlights

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent the third most common source of nosocomial infections in France with an estimated prevalence of 0.83% (0.71–0.95) just after urinary tract and lower respiratory infections
We note that the cost range related to SSIs in digestive surgery is e306–26,815 vs. e2,610–46,570 for other types of surgery
The increase in the length of stay associated with SSIs in digestive surgery ranges from 2.8 to 29 days vs. 2.9–54 days for other types of surgery

Summary

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent the third most common source of nosocomial infections in France with an estimated prevalence of 0.83% (0.71–0.95) just after urinary tract and lower respiratory infections. SSIs have been on the rise, predominantly those affecting deep tissues, organs, and cavities [1]. Surveillance data shows an SSI rate of 1.97% for digestive surgery [95% CI = (1.81–2.13)]. The incidence varies depending on the type of intervention. Inguinal or crural hernia operations have an SSI rate of 0.6% [95% CI = (0.37–0.83)], while in colorectal surgery, the rate is 4.93% (2.91–6.94). The level of SSI is higher than that found in other surgeries because the surgical field is heavily colonized by digestive flora [2]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion