Importance
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of cesarean delivery. Seen in up to 12% of cesarean deliveries, it is a major cause of prolonged hospital stay and a burden to the healthcare system. Interventions and techniques must be identified to decrease the risk of cesarean delivery SSIs.
Objective
We review the categories of SSI, current studies that have focused on various interventions to decrease SSI, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative recommendations for cesarean delivery SSI prevention.
Evidence Acquisition
A thorough search of PubMed for all current literature was performed. Various surgical interventions and techniques were reviewed. We included studies that looked at preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative interventions for SSI prevention.
Results
We have summarized several surgical interventions and techniques as well as current consensus statements to aid the practitioner in preventing SSIs after cesarean delivery.
Conclusions and Relevance
Upon analysis of current data and consensus statements pertaining to cesarean deliveries, there are certain preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative interventions and techniques that can be recommended to decrease the risk of cesarean delivery SSI.
Target Audience
Obstetricians and gynecologists; family physicians
Learning Objectives
After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to evaluate preoperative considerations when preparing for a cesarean delivery; distinguish the recommended antiseptic choices for preoperative cleansing/prepping before cesarean delivery; propose the appropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics for prevention of cesarean delivery SSI; and select the surgical techniques that have been shown to decrease the risk of cesarean delivery SSI.
