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Lookup NU author(s): Dr David Harrison, Professor Gerard Stansby
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Background: Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are common after major abdominal and groin bypass surgery. Tissue oxygen tension has been shown to predict these infections accurately. This study assessed whether a non-invasive measurement of tissue oxygenation, tissue oxygen saturation as measured by spectrophotometry, was as accurate. Methods: Fifty-nine patients having major abdominal or groin bypass surgery had tissue oxygen saturation measured by near-infrared spectrophotometry at the incision site and in the arm before operation, and at 12, 24 and 48 It after surgery. Masked outcome assessments for SSI were made at 7 and 30 days after operation. Results: In this retrospective analysis, 17 patients (29 per cent) developed an SSI. At 12 h after operation there was a significant difference in tissue oxygen saturation at the surgical site between patients who developed an SSI and those who did not (mean(s.d.) 43.4(18.1) versus 55.8(22.0) per cent; P = 0.032). These oxygen saturation readings were found to be more specific and sensitive in predicting SSIs than the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system. Discussion: There is a difference in postoperative surgical-site oxygen saturation between patients who subsequently develop SSIs and those who do not. Prediction of SSIs provides opportunities for intervention and prevention.
Author(s): Ives CL, Harrison DK, Stansby GP
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Journal of Surgery
Year: 2007
Volume: 94
Issue: 1
Pages: 87-91
ISSN (print): 0007-1323
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2168
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bjs.5533
DOI: 10.1002/bjs.5533
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