Noise levels correlate with SSIs in outpatient hernia repairs

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with longer hospital stays, poorer quality of life, and increased costs. Lapses in compliance with aseptic principles are a substantial risk factor for SSIs, which may be attributable to distractions such as noise during surgical procedures.

The aims of this study from the United Kingdom were to assess whether noise levels in the OR were associated with the development of SSIs and to elucidate the extent to which these levels affect costs.

A total of 64 male patients having elective, outpatient, open inguinal hernia repairs were included in the study. The patients were fit and at low risk for SSIs. Sound levels were measured during the procedures with a decibel meter and correlated with the incidence of SSIs.

Five of the 64 patients (7.81%) developed SSIs. Overall, the noise levels were greater for the patients who developed SSIs. Noise levels were substantially greater from a time point of 50 minutes onwards, which correlated to when wound closure was occurring.

The additional hospital cost for patients who developed an SSI was £243 (about $377) per patient based on National Health System reference costing for treatment of a superficial skin infection.

Decreasing ambient noise levels in the OR may aid in reducing the incidence of SSIs, particularly during closure, and decrease the associated costs of this complication, the researchers concluded.

—Dholakia S, Jeans J P, Khalid U, et al. The association of noise and surgical-site infection in day-case hernia repairs. Surgery. 2015;157:1153-1156.

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