Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Otolaryngology

Surgical site infections (SSIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality as well as increased cost and length of stay. Guidelines on measures to reduce SSIs have been offered by many organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended measures include maintaining perioperative normothermia, normovolemia, and glycemic control, ensuring adequate tissue oxygenation, and the appropriate use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. This chapter discusses these recommendations and their efficacy in preventing SSIs in otolaryngology.