Surgical site infections (SSIs) require a multidisciplinary approach combining precise operative documentation, appropriate antibiotic selection, and rigorous adherence to prevention bundles. When evaluating post-operative fevers or abscesses, clinicians must verify operative findings through direct communication with surgeons to distinguish between new infections and those present at the time of surgery (PATOS). Empiric antibiotic regimens for intra-abdominal cases typically target enteric aerobic gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes, with de-escalation guided by clinical improvement rather than solely by culture results. Effective prevention relies on standardized bundles, including pre-operative chlorhexidine bathing, glycemic control, and targeted MRSA decolonization for high-risk procedures like joint replacements. Root cause analyses of SSI spikes help identify process drifts, enabling teams to refine care protocols and improve patient outcomes through collaborative, evidence-based practices.
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