Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment

New evidence

We found 167 new studies in a search for randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published between 1 May 2014 and 18 April 2016. We also considered additional studies identified by members of the guideline committee who originally worked on this guideline. A further 2 studies were identified through post-publication communications.

Evidence identified in previous surveillance at 3 years and 6 years after publication of the guideline, and in an evidence update in 2013, was also considered. This included 160 studies identified by search and 1 study identified in comments received during consultation on the 3‑year surveillance decision.

From all sources, 330 studies were considered to be relevant to the guideline.

We also checked for relevant ongoing research, which will be evaluated again at the next surveillance review of the guideline.

See appendix A: summary of evidence from surveillance and references for all new evidence considered.

Views of topic experts

We considered the views of topic experts, including those who helped to develop the guideline and other correspondence we have received since the publication of the guideline.

Views of stakeholders

Stakeholders are consulted only if we decide not to update the guideline following checks at 4 and 8 years after publication. Because this was an 8‑year surveillance review, and the decision was to update, we did not consult on the decision.

See ensuring that published guidelines are current and accurate in 'Developing NICE guidelines: the manual' for more details on our consultation processes.

NICE Surveillance programme project team

Sarah Willett
Associate Director

Philip Alderson
Consultant Clinical Adviser

Emma McFarlane
Technical Adviser

Lynne Kincaid
Technical Analyst

The NICE project team would like to thank the topic experts who participated in the surveillance process.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2284-0