Intrinsic and extrinsic sources and prevention of infection (in surgery).

Abstract In 2014–2015 the NHS carried out 9.9 million operations. Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) though, continues to be a major challenge, with 300,000 patients a year affected. The human cost is enormous, but so is the financial cost; HAIs are estimated to cost the NHS approximately £1–2 billion a year, with £56 million of this estimated to be incurred after patients are discharged from hospital. Many HAI are preventable, and this article aims to support the surgeon and team in reducing HAI in the surgical pathway, by reviewing the role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the development of a HAI, to enable prevention/mitigation strategies to be put in place to ensure the safest possible care pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]