Introduction

Definitions

• Sterilization = elimination of all microorganisms from an inanimate object.
• Disinfection = elimination of all pathogenic microorganisms from an inanimate object.
• Asepsis = absence of pathogenic microorganisms on a living object.

Principles of asepsis

• Control of endogenous and exogenous bacteria to reduce contamination of the surgical site.
• Endogenous bacteria, especially Staphylococcus Staphylococcus spp and Streptococcus Streptococcus spp are the most common contaminants.
• Accomplished by correct preparation of the patient, surgical team, operating theater and surgical equipment and adherence to rules of the operating theater.

Wound infections

Prevention of surgical infection

Antiseptics

Sterilization

Antimicrobial prophylaxis

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Weight C J, Lee M C, Palmer J S (2010) Avagard hand antisepsis vs. traditional scrub in 3600 pediatric urologic procedures. Urology 76 (1), 15-17 PubMed.
• Vince K J, Lascelles B D, Mathews K G et al (2008) Evaluation of Wraps Covering the Distal Aspect of Pelvic Limbs for Prevention of Bacterial Strike-Through in an Ex Vivo Canine Model. Vet Surg 37 (4), 406-411 PubMed.
• Mulberrry G, Snyder A T, Heilman J et al (2001) Evaluation of a waterless, scrubless chlorhexidine gluconate/ethanol surgical scrub for antimicrobial efficacy. Am J Infect Control 29 (6), 377-382 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Tobias K & Johnston S (2012) Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal. 1st edn, Elsevier.
• Small Animal Surgery (2002) Ed Fossum. Mosby, Missouri.
• Textbook of Small Animal Surgery (2003) Ed Slatter. Saunders, Philedelphia.