Chlorhexidine wipes: the new weapon against surgical site infections?

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the third most common nosocomial infection in hospitals. Associated with SSIs are increased costs as well as readmissions for increased morbidity and mortality. Infections range from superficial, limited to skin and subcutaneous tissues, to deep infections, where soft tissue and fascia are affected. Deep infections can extend to organ spaces and ultimately become systemic rather than localized events. Skin preparation reduces risks of infection. However, patient and procedural factors post significant risks as well. Increasing age, poor nutrition, diabetes, and obesity increase the risks of infection. Also increasing the risks are the length of the surgical procedure, preoperative surgical team antisepsis of hands and forearms, surgical technique, and hair-removal technique. Finally, the choice of antibiotic and the timing of drug delivery seem to significantly impact patient outcomes.