FTP3.5 Patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery are at increased risk of surgical site infections: a single centre experience

Abstract Introduction Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for 16% of all healthcare-associated infections and pose a considerable burden on the NHS due to prolonged hospital stay, comorbidities, and increased costs. Due to the nature of colorectal surgery, SSI rates in this patient cohort are even higher. The aim of this audit is to establish our colorectal SSI rates and identify associated risk factors with a view to create and implement an SSI bundle. Methods A retrospective audit, from a large institution, of all patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery were collected between April 2019 to March 2022. Data from the operation were extracted, including the operation date, procedure performed, surgical approach, and stoma formation. SSI was recorded if any of the following were present at 30 days: purulent discharge, clinical or imaging diagnoses, microbiology, wound dehiscence with pain, swelling, redness or pyrexia. Results Five hundred and fifty-seven patients were included in the preliminary analysis; 62.3% of which were open, 20.8% laparoscopic and 7.9% robotic. A total of 116/557 (20.8%) had an SSI. This increased the length of stay by 4.3 days. Open approach was associated with higher SSI rates (21.2% in open, 18.9% laparoscopic, and 10.4% robotic). The formation of stoma also increases SSI rates (17.4% in patients without stoma, 25.4% colostomy and 28.1% ileostomy). Conclusions Further data analysis will be conducted to identify patients at a higher risk of developing an SSI. An SSI bundle has been created within the department, and a re-audit will be performed following its implementation.