Infrainguinal wound infections in vascular surgery: An antiquated challenge without a modern solution

Surgical site infections (SSIs) have always complicated recovery after surgery, being associated with increased cost of hospitalization, length of stay, and mortality. The most significant measure to reduce the incidence of SSI was the standardization of prophylactic antibiotic administration in patients undergoing surgical procedures. Since then, countless measures have been proposed to improve rates of SSI and patient outcome, but few have been as efficacious as prophylactic antibiotics. Therefore, SSI continues to plague clinicians and patients in modern health care. This review focuses on current and future efforts at SSI control. •Preoperative optimization of comorbidities decreases rates of surgical site infection.•Bacterial burden is reduced by skin decontamination, hair removal, and antibiotics.•Intraoperative techniques can affect incidence of surgical site infection.•Advanced wound care and telemedicine aid treatment of surgical site infection.