How are surgical wounds classified based on microbial contamination?

Surgical wounds are classified based on microbial contamination into categories that reflect the risk of infection and the level of contamination at the time of the procedure. The correct classification involves distinguishing wounds as clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, and dirty, each with specific definitions.

In this context, the terms used indicate the presence or absence of microbial contamination and the potential implications for postoperative infection. "Clean" wounds are those that do not enter the respiratory, alimentary, genital, or uninfected urinary tract; they are typically created under sterile conditions without any significant risk of infection. "Clean-contaminated" wounds are those that involve the respiratory, alimentary, genital, or urinary tracts but are performed under controlled conditions, hence carrying a lower risk of infection compared to contaminated wounds. "Contaminated" wounds are those with a higher potential for infection, often due to a break in sterile technique during the procedure or presence of a gross spillage from an organ. "Dirty" (or infected) wounds have existing infections or necrotic tissue and a high risk of postoperative infections.

The chosen classification correctly represents the hierarchy of these wound categories and is essential for surgical teams to determine the appropriate prophylactic measures and postoperative care protocols to minimize infection risk