Markers of surgical site infection (SSI) severity
| Infection type and severity, n=54 | Cases (%), unless otherwise stated | ||
| Infection | Cultured organisms | Positive culture | 32 (59.3) |
| Time of infection | Postoperative admission | 24 (44.4) | |
| Community | 25 (46.3) | ||
| Local hospital readmission | 4 (7.4) | ||
| Central hospital readmission | 1 (1.9) | ||
| Antibiotic route | Intravenous | 24 (44.4) | |
| Oral | 25 (46.3) | ||
| None | 6 (11.1) | ||
| Length of course | Days, median (range) | 7 (5–14) | |
| Severity | Fever | Temperature >38°C | 11 (20.4) |
| WCC | ×10/L, median (IQR) | 10 (7–14) | |
| Cellulitis | Clinical diagnosis | 24 (44.4) | |
| Skin dehiscence | Clinical diagnosis | 30 (55.6) | |
| Treated with packing | 14 (25.9) | ||
| Managed without packing | 16 (29.6) | ||
| Sheath dehiscence | 1 (1.9) | ||
| Intensive care unit/High dependency unit admission | 1 (1.9) | ||
| Negative pressure wound therapy | 2 (3.7) | ||
| Return to theatre | 4 (7.4) | ||
WCC, white cell count.