OSE_1213_part2_Layout 1 12/5/13 2:53 PM Page 60
I N F E C T I O N
P R E V E N T I O N
says Lynn Razzano, RN, MSN, ONCC, a clinical nurse consultant from
Westborough, Mass. "It's the 'tearing' that sets up the infection process."
The market for biologic materials is expected to grow faster than that
for polymer or prosthetic mesh, according to "Hernia Repair Devices
Market," a new market report published by Transparency Market
Research. The reason, the report says, is that biologic materials offer
more flexibility and strength, and a lower chance of rejection and infection. New biologic meshes, including some made from pig skin, are
being used in complex repairs because they can reduce the chance of
infection, but are more expensive.
Preventive measures
Although it's widely held that laparoscopic hernia repair has fewer
post-op complications compared with open repair, there are no specific data regarding mesh-related infection rates. It's also believed that
foreign body reaction depends on the amount of mesh used. Here's
more preventive advice:
• Never perform the procedure if the patient has shaved with a razor.
"We only use clippers in pre-op holding," says Sherry Rogers, RN, CNOR,
CASC, administrator at the Tullahoma (Tenn.) Surgery Center.
• Shower with CHG for 3 days before surgery. On the day of surgery,
wipe the patient with a CHG cloth in pre-op and once more before
transporting the patient to the OR, says Faith True, MBA, BSN, RNNE-BC, CNOR, director of perioperative services at
SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
• Finally, this simple, sound advice from a manager who asked that
we not use her name: Thorough scrubbing, prophylactic antibiotics and
prayers. OSM
E-mail doconnor@outpatientsurg ery.net.
6 0
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2013
