Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSI) are common healthcare associated infections (HAI) that is associated with increased morbidity and cost. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective when used appropriately. This study assesses the prophylactic antimicrobial prescribing and practice in the orthopaedic wards based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline on antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery. Materials and Methods: Patients admitted to the Orthopaedics wards over a four-week period were studied (n = 68). Criterions 1 to 4; appropriateness, choice of antimicrobial and route of administration (1- given when indicated, 2- not given when not indicated, 3- appropriate choice and 4- given intravenously), criterions 5 to 7; allergy status and documentation (5: documentation, 6- details and 7- definite or possible history reaction immediately after penicillin therapy should not receive prophylaxis with a beta-lactam antimicrobial), criterions 8 to 10; documentation of antimicrobial given (8- name, dose and route of administration, 9- documentation in the appropriate 'one-off' section of the drug chart and 10- documentation of time of administration and surgical incision) and criterion 11 to 14; time and doses required (11- prophylaxis should be given 30 minutes before surgery, 12- additional intra-operative dose not required, 13- post-operative doses of prophylaxis not given and 14- a 24 hours regimen of prophylactic antimicrobial is given for primary arthroplasty procedures). A simple scoring system was used to allocate level of appropriateness. The rate was considered 'very good' for above 85%, 'good' for 70%-85%, 'moderate' for 50%-69%, 'poor' for 30%-49% and 'very poor' for below 30%. Results: The overall conformation to criteria and standards was 66.4% (95% CI 61.7-70.7). The rates were rated as 'very good' for criterion 1, 3, 4, 5b, 6, 8 and 9, 'good' for criterion 5a and 'poor' for criterions 2 and 5c. The adherence rates were 'very poor' to criterion 10a, 10b, 13 and 14. Intravenous cefuroxime was used as the first choice for antimicrobial prophylaxis. Conclusions: The overall practice was moderate and the choice of drug was considered appropriate. However, certain areas such as documentation need improvement. A local guideline may be useful.
Antimicrobial ; Orthopaedic Surgery ; Surgical Site Infection

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to determine SSI rate and the associated factors among colorectal surgery patients. METHODS: This included adult patients who underwent surgery under the Division of Colorectal Surgery from January to May 2018. Clinico-demographic, operative, and SSI outcome data were reviewed. Occurrence of SSI during admission until discharge, and up to 30 days after the surgery was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 172 surgeries were performed. Majority were elective procedures (68.0%), and performed via open approach (67.4%). Most were malignant cases (62.6%). Sixty-three colorectal resections were done (41 colon and 22 rectal). SSI rate prior to discharge was 6.4%, and 15.7% at 30 days. Among colorectal resections, 18 (28.6%) patients had SSI at 30 days. SSI rates were significantly higher among patients who were ASA 2 or 3; received chemotherapy 12 weeks prior to surgery; had malignant pathology; underwent emergency surgery; received perioperative transfusion; had stapled skin closure; had low anterior resection for rectal cancer; and had multivisceral resection. CONCLUSION The Division of Colorectal Surgery at the Philippine General Hospital had a higher SSI rate as compared to literature. Although this could be partly explained by the differences in patient and surgeon population, improving on SSI rates will be the unit's goal. Continued SSI surveillance with more patient accrual may provide better insight to the associated risk factors.
Surgical site infection ; colorectal surgery ; risk factors