Supplemental Oxygen for Surgical-Site Infections: The Debate Continues

Following two studies with conflicting results, a third trial shows that perioperative supplemental oxygen reduces surgical-site infection after colorectal surgery.

Given that surgery disrupts the normal blood supply to wound margins and that oxidative killing by neutrophils depends on tissue oxygen partial pressure, might increasing tissue oxygen aid in preventing surgical-site infections (SSIs)? Two randomized, controlled trials examining the incidence of SSIs in abdominal-surgery patients who received supplemental perioperative oxygen produced conflicting results (see Journal Watch Infectious Diseases Mar 1 2000). A third randomized, controlled study, partially supported by industry, has just been completed.

In this double-blind trial, 300 adults undergoing planned open colorectal surgery at one of 14 hospitals in Spain received either 30% or 80% supplemental oxygen intraoperatively and for 6 hours p…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD