ROLE OF ASEPTIC MEASURES IN PREVENTING SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS IN SKIN BIOPSY PROCEDURES

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of aseptic measures in preventing surgical site infections in skin biopsy procedures.

Study design and setting: This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Dermatology, PAF Hospital PAF Base Faisal, Karachi from 23 October 2019 to 15 January 2021. 

Material and methods: All patients who required skin biopsy were included in the study excluding patients requiring punch and shave biopsies. Procedure was done using strict aseptic measures in a dedicated room of operation theatre according to the standard protocol and patient followed up for presence of any surgical site infection in the wound. Demographic data of the patients along with other parameters including comorbid conditions, presence or absence of surgical site infection, site of biopsy, type of biopsy, type of sutures applied were recorded for each patient. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 18.

Results: One hundred and fifty-one patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 36 years (± 14 years). Out of 151 patients, 99 (65.6%) were males and 52 (34.4%) were females. Excision biopsy was done in 58 (38.4%) patients and incisional biopsy was done in 93 (61.6%) patients. The most common site biopsied was trunk i.e. in 45 patients. Wound infection was present in only four patients. Two out of four infected patients had diabetes mellitus and one was smoker.

Conclusion: Effective aseptic measures reduce surgical site infections in skin biopsy procedures.