Contemporary Review to Reduce Groin Surgical Site Infections in Vascular Surgery.

Surgical site infection (SSIs) in lower extremity vascular procedures is a major contributor to patient morbidity and mortality. Despite previous advancements in preoperative and post-operative care, surgical infection rate in vascular surgery remains high, particularly when groin incisions are involved. However, targeting modifiable risk factors successfully reduces the surgical site infection incidence in vascular surgery patients. We conducted an extensive literature review to evaluate the efficacy of various preventive strategies for groin surgical site infections. We discuss the role of preoperative showers, pre- and postoperative antibiotics, collagen gentamicin implants, iodine impregnated drapes, types of skin incisions, negative pressure wound therapy and prophylactic muscle flap transposition in preventing surgical site infection in the groin after vascular surgical procedures.