What are surgical site infection (SSI) prevention strategies?

Surgical site infection (SSI) prevention strategies focus heavily on maintaining a sterile environment and reducing the risk of infection during surgical procedures. Administering prophylactic antibiotics before surgery helps to prevent any potential bacterial contamination from leading to an infection at the surgical site. This strategy is well-supported by clinical guidelines that recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics in certain surgical procedures, particularly those considered at high risk for infection, such as orthopedic or gastrointestinal surgeries.

Maintaining sterile technique during the surgery itself is equally crucial, as it prevents the introduction of pathogens that could lead to infection. This involves careful preparation of the surgical site, proper sterilization of instruments, and rigorous adherence to infection control protocols by the surgical team.

In contrast, the other options presented do not effectively contribute to SSI prevention. For instance, performing surgery under only local anesthesia does not directly impact the risk of SSI, as infections can occur regardless of the type of anesthesia used. Minimizing pre-operative assessments could potentially overlook critical factors that influence a patient's risk for infection. Finally, avoiding the use of sterilized instruments contradicts the fundamental principles of infection control in surgical practice, as non-sterile instruments can introduce pathogens that lead to SSIs. Overall, option B encompasses the essential components of SSI prevention