Risk factors for surgical site infection after dermatological surgery

Objectives Surgical site infection (SSI) following minor surgery contributes to patient morbidity and compromises cosmetic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for SSI after dermatological surgery in general practice. Methods A prospective, observational study which assessed infection among 972 patients was conducted in regional north Queensland, Australia. Consecutive patients presenting for minor skin excisions were invited to participate. Wounds were assessed for SSI at the time of removal of sutures. Results Infection occurred in 85 of the 972 excisions; thus, the overall incidence of infection was 8.7% (95% confidence interval 6.5–11.0). Excisions in the upper (P