For the first time since 1999, the CDC has updated its evidence-based recommendations for surgical site infection prevention, with results published in JAMA.
The agency conducted a literature review for articles published from 1998 to 2014 and used the Grading of Recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation approach to examine the strength of the articles. There were initially 42 statements made, and 25 were not recommended or went unresolved.
The updated recommendations to include:
1. Patients should have full body shower or bath with soap at least the night before surgery.
2. Patients should receive antimicrobial prophylaxis before cesarean delivery.
3. Alcohol-based agents for skin preparation are appropriate in most cases.
4. Plastic adhesive drapes aren't necessary for SSI prevention, with or without antimicrobial properties.
5. Don't administer additional antimicrobial doses after the incision is closed.
6. Don't put topical antimicrobial agents on an incision.
7. For all patients, blood glucose levels should be under 200 mg/dL throughout the operation.
8. Normothermia should be maintained.
9. Patients should receive a higher fraction of inspired oxygen during surgery and after extubation if they have normal lungs and are undergoing general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation.
10. Transfused blood products shouldn't be withheld for SSI prevention.
