Sepsis and septic shock appear to be more common than heart attacks or pulmonary blood clots among patients having general surgery, and the death rate for patients with septic shock is approximately 34 percent within 30 days of operation, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Surgery. In recent years, attention has been focused on prevention of venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and surgical site infections.

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A report in the Archives of Surgery suggests that application of a cyanoacrylate-based microbial sealant prior to incision reduces wound contamination by skin flora and may prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). A group of 166 patients who underwent open inguinal hernia repair were studied to determine the effectiveness and safety of Kimberly-Clark Healthcare’s InteguSEAL. The non-invasive tool kept the wounds sterile.