Audit of Positive Microbiological Cultures in Patients Undergoing Arterial Reconstruction

ObjectiveTo describe the micro-organisms cultured in vascular patients and report the changing spectrum of pathogens over recent years.MethodsRetrospective analysis of post-operative microbiology culture results from wound swabs, blood cultures, theatre specimens and central venous catheter tips for all patients undergoing vascular procedures between 1998 and 2003.Results460 patients underwent a major vascular procedure; suprainguinal bypass (n=34), infrainguinal bypass (n=158), carotid endarterectomy (n=97) and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (n=171). Positive microbiology results were identified in 86 patients (18%). Patients admitted as emergency had a significantly higher (chi2=20.2, p<0.0001) proportion of positive cultures (29% vs. 13%). The proportion of positive cultures was significantly different between procedures; suprainguinal bypass 29%, infrainguinal bypass 27%, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair 19%, carotid endarterectomy 0% (chi2=33.9, p