title: Laminar flow reduces cases of surgical site infections in vascular patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Numerous strategies are employed routinely in an effort to lower rates of surgical site infections (SSIs). A laminar flow theatre environment is generally used during orthopaedic surgery to reduce rates of SSIs. Its role in vascular surgery, especially when arterial bypass  grafts are used, is unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was undertaken for all vascular procedures performed by a single consultant over a one-year period. Cases were performed, via random allocation, in either a laminar or non-laminar flow theatre  environment. Demographic data, operative data and evidence of postoperative SSIs were noted. A separate subgroup analysis was undertaken for patients requiring an arterial bypass graft. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression was undertaken to identify significant factors associated  with SSIs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 170 procedures were analysed. Presence of a groin incision, insertion of an arterial graft and a non-laminar flow theatre were shown to be predictive of SSIs in this cohort. In the subgroup receiving arterial grafts, only a non-laminar flow theatre environment  was shown to be predictive of an SSI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that laminar flow may reduce incidences of SSI, especially in the subgroup of patients receiving arterial grafts.
authors: Cwm Taf Health Board, UK.
authors: D C
authors: DC
authors: Bosanquet
authors: C N
authors: CN
authors: Jones
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Gill
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Jarvis
authors: M H
authors: MH
authors: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009873:Operating Rooms; D061646:Operative Time; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D058017:Vascular Grafting / Q000379:methods*; D014691:Ventilation / Q000379:methods*