Minimally Invasive Surgeries Shown to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

Tags: infections | minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery procedures may reduce hospital-acquired infections, driving the MIS industry and reducing hospital costs, according to a report by healthcare market research firm Kalorama Information.

Forty percent of HAIs from hysterectomy, appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy occurred within 30 days after hospital discharge. However, the use of MIS saw an overall decrease in the odds of acquiring an infection, specifically an 80 percent reduction in respiratory tract infections, a 69 percent reduction in bloodstream infections, a 59 percent reduction in wound infections and a 39 percent reduction in urinary tract infections, according to the report.

"It's a win-win for government and insurance companies looking to reduce long-term healthcare costs," Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information, said in a statement. "Although the devices are expensive, the cost is justified by long-term savings and more effective patient treatment."

Read the report abstract on minimally invasive surgery and hospital-acquired infections.

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