Background: Several factors determine whether a surgical incision will heal normally or develop
an infection or other complication. Host factors, the degree of microbial contamination,
and appropriate prescribing of prophylactic antibiotics are among these factors. Among the
potentially modifiable host factors are tissue oxygenation in the postoperative period, which
can be maintained by avoiding hypothermia (and consequent vasoconstriction/hypoperfusion)
and ischemia
Methods: Review of the pertinent English-language literature regarding maintenance of normothermia,
preoperative warming of surgical sites, and perioperative supplemental oxygen
administration for the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI).
Results: Maintenance of core body temperature unequivocally reduces the incidence of SSI
after elective colorectal surgery. Topical warming of the surgical site prior to elective surgery
also is effective in reducing the incidence of infection, even before clean surgery. In contrast,
perioperative oxygen supplementation (80% oxygen) is controversial, with two of the three
randomized, controlled trials in support
Conclusion: Substantial evidence supports the construct that maintenance of core body temperature
and possibly the supplemental administration of oxygen can reduce the incidence
of SSI
