The impact of surgical site infections: from patient safety to hospital savings

1-minute read

A surgeon’s perspective on surgical site infections (SSIs) 

The high cost of surgical site infections

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major concern in healthcare, affecting a significant number of patients and driving up costs.^1-3 These infections don’t just impact patient recovery—they lead to longer hospital stays, higher rates of complications, and an enormous financial burden on the healthcare system.^1-3 In the U.S. alone, SSIs account for billions in annual expenses.^4.5 With healthcare moving toward bundled payments and performance-based reimbursements, preventing these infections has become even more critical. SSIs are now the leading cause of unplanned hospital readmissions⁶ and reducing them could make a substantial difference in both patient outcomes and hospital costs.

Prevention strategies and multidisciplinary approaches  

Reducing the risk of SSIs requires a comprehensive approach that targets the most common sources of bacterial colonization: the nose, mouth, and skin. While strategies like nasal, skin, and oral antisepsis are critical, compliance and education remain key challenges. We need standardized, evidence-based protocols and a multidisciplinary effort to make real progress. By working together—surgeons, nurses, infection prevention teams, and patients—we can reduce the risk of SSIs and improve surgical outcomes.