Understanding surgical site complications

Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England*

Understanding surgical site complications

The definition of a closed surgical incision is a surgical incision made through skin and underlying tissues in which the edges of the incision have been brought together (closed) to aid healing by primary intention.

Even if the surgery is successful, and primary closure is achieved, the incision may be associated with post-operative complications (usually after that patient has been discharged from hospital).

This educational content gives the information to understand the types and burden of surgical site complications.

Learning Objectives

• Learning what surgical site complications are seen after a closed surgical incision
• Describe patient + health economic burden of surgical site infections (SSI) in particular
  
• Know where to find surgical site complications definitions