Surgery

Question 1

What are the advantages of surgery?

Answer 1

• Quick/not protracted
• Removal of damaged, dangerous tissue
• Reduced testing

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of surgery?

Answer 2

• Infection- SSIs
• Invasive
• Cosmetic compromise
• Functional compromise
• Anaesthetics

Question 3

Define a ‘clean surgical wound’

Answer 3

Non-traumatic uninfected wound only involving integumentary and musculoskeletal soft tissue

Question 4

Define a ‘clean contaminated’ surgical wound

Answer 4

Operative wound in which a hollow viscus is opened under controlled circumstances

Question 5

Define ‘contaminated’ surgical wound

Answer 5

Bacteria been extensively introduced by a sterile body carrying

Question 6

Define a ‘dirty’ surgical wound

Answer 6

Surgery performed to control established infection

Question 7

What are the 3 types of SSI: infection criteria depending on depth?

Answer 7

• Superficial incision just under the skin
• Deep incision
• Organ/ space

Question 8

What complications can lead to a surgical site infection?

Answer 8

• Septicemia
• Reduced QofL
• Further strain

Question 9

How can the likelihood of SSIs be reduced?

Answer 9

• Aseptic technique
• Choosing appropriate type of surgery for quicker post-op recovery

Question 10

What factors must be considered for SSI: superficial incisional?

Answer 10

• Purulent drainage: may smell
• Organism isolated: to investigate it
• Symptoms of infection: inflammation being a secondary defence system
• Diagnosis from surgeon/clinician

Question 11

What factors must be considered for SSI: deep incisional?

Answer 11

• Purulent drainage: hard to come out so will see inflammation again
• Spontaneous dehisces: pushes skin apart at weakest part, usually the site of surgical incision where scar is
• Symptoms of infection: increased WBC count, pain and tenderness, fever
• Diagnosis by surgeon/clinician