Role of antimicrobial additives in surgical lights

Operating rooms are meticulously designed and maintained to provide successful medical procedures and sterility is the cornerstone of patient safety in these environments. Surgically acquired infections, known as surgical site infections, pose significant challenges to patient health and add to the burden of healthcare systems worldwide. In the UK, up to 1 in 7 hospital acquired infections are due to surgical site infections.¹ One effective strategy to combat surgical site infections is to incorporate antimicrobial additives into the surface of equipment used within surgical settings. Antimicrobial additives offer several advantages, including the prevention of microbial growth and reduced contamination risk. In this article, we will explore the benefits of antimicrobial additives and their contribution to enhanced patient care in operating rooms.

Impact of surgical site infections

Infections hinder wound healing and necessitate additional medical interventions, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased patient discomfort. The impact of surgical site infections extends beyond individual patients to healthcare systems and economies. Patients who develop infections are more likely to experience extended hospitalisation, increasing the burden on hospitals and healthcare providers. The treatment of surgical site infections can involve additional surgeries, prolonged hospital stays and specialised wound care, causing significant and avoidable healthcare costs. A single case of a surgically acquired infection can increase a patient’s hospital stay by several days.¹ This prolonged stay translates to additional expenses related to medical treatments, medications, and patient care.