Surgical Site Infections (SSI)

Surgical site infections (SSI) refer to infections that occur after surgery in the part of
the body where the surgery took place. These infections can be superficial involving
the skin and subcutaneous tissue, or they can be deep, involving the muscles and soft
tissues under the skin. In more severe cases, SSI can even affect the organs or the
space around the organs.

by ༺Bαrgavi Elumalai༻
Definition and Classification of SSI
1 Definition of SSI
Surgical site infections are defined as infections that occur within 30 days of an
operation or within one year if an implant is left in place. They can involve the skin,
subcutaneous tissue, or deeper soft tissues, and can be classified as superficial, deep
incisional, or organ/space, based on the depth of the infection.
Clinical Features of Superficial SSI
1 Redness and Swelling 2 Pain
The skin around the surgical incision may Patients may experience pain or
become red, warm, and swollen. tenderness around the incision area.

3 Discharge
There may be drainage of pus or fluid from the incision.
Clinical Features of Deep Incisional SSI
1 Persistent Wound Pain 2 Wound Dehiscence
Pain or tenderness that persists beyond the The wound may start to separate or open
expected postoperative period. up, which is known as wound dehiscence.

3 Fever
Persistent or recurrent fever may be an indication of a deep incisional SSI.
Clinical Features of Organ/Space SSI
1 Septicemia 2 Deep Abscess Formation
Organ/space surgical site infections can Formation of deep abscesses within the
lead to septicemia, a life-threatening body cavity near the surgical site.
condition characterized by widespread
infection in the body.

3 Organ Dysfunction
In severe cases, organ/space SSI can lead to dysfunction of the affected organ.
Types of Pathogens Commonly Causing SSI
Bacterial Pathogens Viral Pathogens Fungal Pathogens

The most common culprits of SSI
include Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Viruses like herpes simplex virus
(HSV) and human papillomavirus
(HPV) can also cause surgical site
infections, although less
frequently.
Fungal infections such as Candida
and Aspergillus species can lead to
SSI, particularly in
immunocompromised individuals.
Southampton Scoring System
Assessment Criteria
The Southampton Scoring
System uses specific criteria to
assess the severity and
characteristics of surgical site
infections.
Scoring Method
It involves assigning a score
based on parameters such as the
type of infection, symptoms, and
laboratory findings.
Severity Classification
Based on the total score obtained,
the severity of the SSI is
classified as either mild,
moderate, or severe.
Thank you.