Surveillance of surgical site infections after thyroidectomy in a one-day surgery setting

AbstractBackground and aimDifferent studies underline the importance of hospital stay on the development of infectious complications. We performed an audit of surgical site infections (SSI) after thyroidectomy was performed in a one-day surgery setting.Materials and methodsOne hundred and twelve consecutive patients admitted between April 2007 and discharged before May 2008 were studied. Patient selection criteria for one-day surgery were specific medical and social-logistic status. The technique of thyroidectomy was standardized.ResultsSSI affect 2.6% of patients undergoing thyroid surgery with short hospitalization. The incidence of SSI was 3.2% following thyroidectomy, 2% for lobectomy. Mean time interval to symptom onset was 3 days (range 2–6). Most likely organism was Staphylococcus aureus. WI was associated with prolonged ambulatory medications.ConclusionsRates of SSI are similar to those described in the literature with longer hospitalization. All SSI become evident only after patient discharge. Prevention of SSI is very much the responsibility of the persons working in the operating theater. Effort should be made to improve sterile technique. Appropriate antibiotic coverage is indicated when infection develops postoperatively