====== 🏥 Surgical Site ======

The **surgical site** refers to the specific anatomical location on the patient's body where a **surgical incision or procedure** is performed.

===== 📌 Components of the Surgical Site =====
  * **Skin and subcutaneous tissue** at the incision area
  * **Deep soft tissue layers**, including fascia and muscle
  * **Organs or anatomical structures** manipulated or exposed during surgery

===== 🧬 Classification in Infection Control =====
According to CDC guidelines, surgical sites are classified when monitoring for **surgical site infections (SSIs)**:
  * **Superficial incisional SSI** → involves skin/subcutaneous tissue
  * **Deep incisional SSI** → involves deeper soft tissues (fascia, muscle)
  * **Organ/space SSI** → involves any organ or cavity manipulated during surgery

===== 🧠 Importance in Neurosurgery =====
In neurosurgical procedures, the surgical site may include:
  * **Scalp and skull** (craniotomy/craniectomy)
  * **Dura mater**
  * **Brain, spinal cord or nerve roots**
  * **Spinal elements** (lamina, disc, vertebrae)

Proper **identification, antisepsis, and isolation** of the surgical site is critical to:
  * Prevent infections
  * Ensure adequate exposure
  * Improve postoperative outcomes
===== Surgical Site Infection =====
 [[Surgical Site Infection]]