Infection control in head and neck surgery

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) of multi-drug resistant organisms are a public concern. We thoroughly took standard precautions and improved procedures in the ward based on the problems peculiar to head and neck surgery. In order to determine the efficacy of this measure, between May 2007 and December 2011 we evaluated the annual incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), for which control contact precautions are highly effective. As a result, since the start of the measure, the incidence of MRSA has declined from 2.1% to 0.8%, suggesting the efficacy of the current measures. Further measures and studies in alcohol-resistant organisms are required.