Caesarean section, surgical site infection and wound management.
Surgical site infection (SSI) following caesarean section is a common cause of morbidity, with socioeconomic consequences for the woman and her family. This article describes the risk factors for SSI following caesarean section, including antibiotic prophylaxis, type of dressing, approach to wound closure, obesity and general health. Wound management and the information that women need to undertake safe and effective self-care once they leave hospital are also discussed. Recent research highlighting the extent of the problem and strategies for tackling it is reviewed.
Gould
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St. Bartholomew School of Nursing and Midwifery, City University, London. D.Gould@city.ac.uk
D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001458:Bandages; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004630:Emergencies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D009017:Morbidity; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology