What is considered the number one non-pharmacologic way to prevent post-operative infections?

Good surgical technique is considered the number one non-pharmacologic way to prevent post-operative infections because it encompasses best practices that reduce the risk of contaminating the surgical site and promote optimal healing conditions. Proper technique includes meticulous attention to aseptic protocols, careful handling of tissues, and minimizing surgical time, which collectively contribute to a cleaner surgical field.

In addition to reducing the risk of introducing pathogens during the procedure, good surgical technique can enhance blood flow, reduce tissue ischemia, and prevent complications that rely on effective healing. By ensuring that procedures are conducted with precision and care, the likelihood of infections post-surgery decreases significantly.

While options like wound irrigation, post-operative antibiotics, and patient education are important components in the overall approach to infection control and patient outcomes, they are not as foundational as the technique employed during surgery itself. Wound irrigation might be effective but does not outweigh the preventative measures taken during surgical procedures. Antibiotics may manage infections after they occur, but do not prevent them from happening initially. Patient education is essential for compliance and understanding of post-operative care, but it relies on the assumption that a strong foundation of surgical practice has already been established to minimize the risk of infection at its source.