Background: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) is a neurosurgical procedure used to treat hydrocephalus. However, after this procedure, the surgical site infection rates and associated risk factors remain unclear. Most studies do not apply clear criteria for the definition of surgical site infection (SSI), hindering its clinical applicability. Methods:We conducted a retrospective, case-control study to evaluate the risk factors for SSI after VPS. The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) criteria were used to define SSI. A case was defined as any case of VPS with confirmation of SSI, and the control was defined as patient who underwent VPS without SSI after the procedure. Data were collected from patients undergoing VPS admitted to a hospital in Brazil between January 2007 and December 2011.Results: SSI occurred in 15.7% of patients, with organ/ space SSIs being the most common (89.8%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequent (30.4%) of the positive cultures. Of the total patients, 39.5% were under the age of 1 year and had an increased risk of infection at the surgical site after VPS. Preoperative bath was associated with a lower number of SSIs. Conclusions:This study provides important information about SSI rates, risk, and protective factors in patients who underwent VPS in Brazil.

Background: Infections in orthopedic procedures are difficult to eradicate and persist until the implant removal.Methods: Control-case study of 390 patients who underwent to primary hip and knee arthroplasty, from January 2007 to December 2011 at the Hospital and Clinics, Federal University of Minas Gerais. Risk factors and frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) were assessed, beyond the clinical outcome after a year of procedure. Results:In 16 cases of infection, we observed that obesity has configured as a risk factor, and the preoperative bathing as a protective factor for ISC. The SSI rate was approximately 4% and the main microorganisms identified were Gram-negative, especially Acinetobacter baumannii to carbapenems. From infected patients, 85.7% underwent revision of prosthesis in two surgical times and there were no associated deaths. Conclusion:Obese patients have a higher risk for developing SSI and the found rates are above the reported in the literature, probably associated with the greater number of Gram-negative bacteria.