Table 1.

Classification of surgical site infections based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria

Superficial Incisional SSIs

Infection occurs after the operation and involves only skin or subcutaneous tissue incised.

Deep Incisional SSIs

Infection occurs after the operation if no implant is left in place or within 1 year if implant is in place and the infection appears to be related to the operation and involves deep soft tissues (eg, fascial and muscle layers) of the incision.

Organ/Space SSIs

Infection occurs after the operation if no implant is left in place or within 1 year if implant is in place and the infection appears to be related to the operation and involves any part of the anatomy (eg, organs or spaces), other than the incision, which was opened or manipulated during an operation.

SSI: surgical site infection