Question

If a patient has a significant scalp wound laceration, but a closed head injury, what factors may predispose his case for an SSI? What would be the setup for the patient if there is a history of CJD? If the setup was a regular setup what impact could this have on the next patient?

Answer 1

The factors that predispose this case from an SSI are

• Cleaning and removing foreign material.
• early closure of wound is necessary to prevent infection.
• Make the wound to be short.
• Simple interrupted sutures may minimize the complications.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob is a degenerative brain disorder caused by an infectious protein called prions. If the patient had a history of CJD then set up for the patient should be

• Waterproof dressings must be used.
• Use of surgical gloves while dressing.
• Wear facemask and eye shield to avoid spilling of body fluids.
• Used surgical instruments for this patient should be sterilized by autoclave at 132 to 134-degree Celsius for about one hour.
• Patient's bed linen and other used clothes should be soaked in chlorine bleach before washing.
• Follow surgical handwash before and after the procedure.

If it was a regular set up, it could be transmitted through brain tissue and spinal cord fluid from an infected patient to a healthy individual. Normal sterilization procedure and washing will not destroy the prions. Health care provider also at risk if the precautions are not followed strictly.