Proper selection of prostheses

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 75 views

The Prevalence of Surgical Wound Infections in Emergency Hernia Surgery that Uses Prosthesis at H. Adam Malik Hospital for January 2013 - January 2014

Surgical wound infections are a significant concern in the medical field, particularly in emergency hernia surgery that uses prosthesis. These infections can lead to serious complications, including prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of surgical wound infections in patients undergoing emergency hernia surgery with prosthesis at H. Adam Malik Hospital in North Sumatra, Indonesia, between January 2013 and January 2014.

Research Methodology

Our study employed a retrospective design, collecting data from the medical records of patients who underwent emergency hernia surgery with prosthesis during the study period. The inclusion criteria consisted of all patients who underwent surgery during the study period, while the exclusion criteria included patients with a history of previous infections or medical conditions that could affect the results. The data collected included age, gender, comorbidity, type of surgery, and the incidence of postoperative wound infections.

Findings

The results of our study revealed a significant prevalence of surgical wound infections in patients undergoing emergency hernia surgery with prosthesis. Analysis of the data showed that several factors, including age, nutritional status, and comorbidity, contributed to an increased risk of infection. Notably, patients with diabetes mellitus and obesity had a greater opportunity for postoperative infections. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual risk factors when planning and carrying out operations.

Analysis and Discussion

Postoperative wound infections can be fatal if not treated quickly and precisely. In the context of emergency hernia surgery, the use of prostheses provides additional challenges because non-biocompatible materials can trigger inflammatory reactions. Therefore, the selection of proper prostheses and good surgical techniques is crucial. Factors that contribute to surgical wound infections include aseptic techniques applied during surgery, operation duration, and postoperative care given. Education to patients about signs of infection and the importance of maintaining wound cleanliness is also a key to preventing further infection.

The use of prostheses in emergency hernia surgery can be beneficial in certain situations, such as in cases of large hernias or when the patient's condition is unstable. However, the selection of proper prostheses and good surgical techniques is essential to minimize the risk of infection. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address the complex issues surrounding surgical wound infections, including the selection of appropriate prostheses, attention to individual risk factors, and the application of good postoperative care protocols.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that surgical wound infections in patients undergoing emergency hernia surgery with prostheses in H. Adam Malik Hospital have a significant prevalence. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to minimize the risk of infection, including the selection of appropriate prostheses, attention to individual risk factors, and the application of good postoperative care protocols. These results provide important insights for medical personnel in planning and carrying out operations and monitoring patient recovery.

With a better understanding of the prevalence and risk factors for postoperative wound infections, it is expected to reduce the incidence of infection and improve the quality of patient care in the hospital. This study highlights the importance of considering individual risk factors and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex issues surrounding surgical wound infections.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, we recommend the following:

Proper selection of prostheses: The selection of proper prostheses is crucial to minimize the risk of infection. Medical personnel should carefully consider the type of prosthesis to be used and ensure that it is biocompatible.
Attention to individual risk factors: Medical personnel should consider individual risk factors, such as age, nutritional status, and comorbidity, when planning and carrying out operations.
Good postoperative care protocols: Good postoperative care protocols, including education to patients about signs of infection and the importance of maintaining wound cleanliness, are essential to prevent further infection.
Multidisciplinary approach: A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to address the complex issues surrounding surgical wound infections. Medical personnel should work together to select appropriate prostheses, attend to individual risk factors, and apply good postoperative care protocols.

By implementing these recommendations, medical personnel can reduce the incidence of surgical wound infections and improve the quality of patient care in the hospital.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted retrospectively, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only included patients who underwent emergency hernia surgery with prosthesis at H. Adam Malik Hospital, which may not be representative of patients undergoing similar procedures at other hospitals. Finally, the study did not control for other potential confounding variables, such as the type of anesthesia used or the presence of other medical conditions.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for postoperative wound infections in patients undergoing emergency hernia surgery with prosthesis at other hospitals. Additionally, studies should aim to evaluate the effectiveness of different postoperative care protocols in preventing surgical wound infections. By conducting these studies, medical personnel can gain a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding surgical wound infections and develop effective strategies to prevent and manage these infections.

References

World Health Organization. (2019). Surgical site infections. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands/en/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Surgical site infections. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hai/prevent/surgical-site-infections.html
National Institute of Health. (2020). Surgical site infections. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/health-topics/surgical-site-infections

Note: The references provided are for general information purposes only and are not specific to the study.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Surgical Wound Infections in Emergency Hernia Surgery

Surgical wound infections are a significant concern in the medical field, particularly in emergency hernia surgery that uses prosthesis. In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about surgical wound infections in emergency hernia surgery.

Q: What is a surgical wound infection?

A: A surgical wound infection is an infection that occurs in the wound after surgery. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that enter the wound during surgery or after surgery.

Q: What are the risk factors for surgical wound infections in emergency hernia surgery?

A: The risk factors for surgical wound infections in emergency hernia surgery include:

Age: Older patients are at higher risk of surgical wound infections.
Nutritional status: Patients with poor nutritional status are at higher risk of surgical wound infections.
Comorbidity: Patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus or obesity, are at higher risk of surgical wound infections.
Type of surgery: Emergency hernia surgery that uses prosthesis is at higher risk of surgical wound infections.
Aseptic techniques: Poor aseptic techniques during surgery can increase the risk of surgical wound infections.

Q: What are the symptoms of surgical wound infections?

A: The symptoms of surgical wound infections include:

Redness and swelling around the wound
Increased pain or tenderness around the wound
Pus or discharge from the wound
Fever
Chills

Q: How can surgical wound infections be prevented?

A: Surgical wound infections can be prevented by:

Using proper aseptic techniques during surgery
Selecting the right type of prosthesis
Attending to individual risk factors
Providing good postoperative care
Educating patients about signs of infection and the importance of maintaining wound cleanliness

Q: What is the treatment for surgical wound infections?

A: The treatment for surgical wound infections includes:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
Wound care: The wound may need to be cleaned and dressed regularly.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
Hospitalization: Patients may need to be hospitalized for treatment and monitoring.

Q: Can surgical wound infections be fatal?

A: Yes, surgical wound infections can be fatal if not treated quickly and precisely. In the context of emergency hernia surgery, the use of prostheses provides additional challenges because non-biocompatible materials can trigger inflammatory reactions.

Q: What is the role of prostheses in emergency hernia surgery?

A: Prostheses are used in emergency hernia surgery to provide additional support to the hernia repair. However, the selection of proper prostheses and good surgical techniques is crucial to minimize the risk of infection.

Q: Can patients with comorbidities undergo emergency hernia surgery?

A: Patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus or obesity, can undergo emergency hernia surgery. However, their risk of surgical wound infections may be higher, and they may require closer monitoring and more aggressive treatment.

Q: How can patients reduce their risk of surgical wound infections?

A: Patients can reduce their risk of surgical wound infections by:

Maintaining good nutritional status
Controlling comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus or obesity
Following postoperative care instructions
Reporting any signs of infection to their healthcare provider

Q: What is the importance of education in preventing surgical wound infections?

A: Education is crucial in preventing surgical wound infections. Patients need to be educated about signs of infection and the importance of maintaining wound cleanliness. Healthcare providers also need to educate patients about the risks and benefits of surgery and the importance of following postoperative care instructions.

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in preventing surgical wound infections?

A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in preventing surgical wound infections. They need to:

Use proper aseptic techniques during surgery
Select the right type of prosthesis
Attend to individual risk factors
Provide good postoperative care
Educate patients about signs of infection and the importance of maintaining wound cleanliness

By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for surgical wound infections, patients and healthcare providers can work together to prevent and manage these infections.