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Surgical Site Infections and AMR: Driving better outcomes through prevention

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent challenges facing modern healthcare. An estimated 4.95 million deaths globally were associated with bacterial AMR in 20191, with a projected 8.22 million deaths globally attributed to AMR in 20508.

For surgical teams, AMR presents a significant and growing challenge, particularly through the increased risk of Surgical Site Infection (SSI). Because of this, wound dressing selection becomes a critical component of wound care management, infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.

By choosing clinically proven solutions, you can actively contribute to reducing the incidence of SSI and help reduce the burden of AMR across care settings.

Addressing SSI with proven alternatives for infection prevention

SSIs affect millions of patients worldwide, turning routine procedures into extended hospital stays, additional surgeries, and compromised patient outcomes.

The overuse of conventional antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics, but also silver-based dressings, is accelerating bacterial resistance, making these infections increasingly difficult to treat.

Wound infection signs including increased pain, swelling, and discharge can indicate when surgical wounds require immediate attention. Signs of wound infection should be monitored closely as part of comprehensive infection control and wound care protocols. To protect patient outcomes and preserve antibiotic efficacy, a dual approach combining infection prevention and management and antimicrobial wound care is essential. This means implementing clinically proven alternatives to prevent infection and ensuring antibiotics are used appropriately and only when truly necessary. This strategy supports Antimicrobial Stewardship and promotes sustainable surgical care.

Learn more about SSI
Post-caesarean patient with surgical dressing holding newborn baby, demonstrating Leukomed Sorbact wound care for Surgical Site Infection prevention.

Why post-surgical dressing selection matters in the fight against AMR

Choosing the right post-surgical dressing is a critical step in preventing Surgical Site Infections and reducing reliance on antimicrobial agents. Surgical dressings that effectively manage bioburden in wounds can significantly impact post-surgery wound healing outcomes. It’s not just about managing wounds, it’s about proactively minimising infection risk and supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship. Every dressing used on infected wounds is an opportunity to reinforce best practices and contribute to safer, more sustainable surgical care.

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Two surgeons are conducting a surgery on a patient.

Proven SSI reduction with Leukomed® Sorbact® and DACC™ technology3

Leukomed Sorbact, designed with DACC™ technology, is a promising alternative to antimicrobial dressings and may reduce the need for antibiotics3,4. This Leukomed dressing differs from conventional approaches. Unlike antimicrobial agents that rely on chemical action, Leukomed Sorbact with Sorbact Technology® uses a purely physical mode of action by binding bacteria and fungi to the dressing surface and safely removing them with each dressing change5,6. No active substances are released into the wound, therefore the development of antibiotic resistance is not to be expected6.

Recent studies have provided further evidence for DACC-coated dressings’ antimicrobial mode of action and broad-spectrum effectiveness. Clinical research demonstrates new applications in paediatric wound care and Surgical Site Infections, while evidence shows these dressings can bind biofilms and support Antimicrobial Stewardship in preventing resistance7.

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Post-caesarean mother with newborn baby showing post-surgical dressing care and wound healing recovery at home.

Infection prevention that powers Antimicrobial Stewardship

The fight against antimicrobial resistance starts with everyday clinical decisions. By selecting Leukomed® Sorbact® for post-operative care, you're implementing an evidence-based solution that supports infection prevention without relying on antimicrobial agents². It’s a simple yet powerful contribution to a global antimicrobial stewardship strategy, one dressing at a time.

UPDATED: Best Practice Statement

Get your copy of the latest Best Practice Statement: Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategies for Wound Management Recommendations for the UK

Download here

Related articles

  1. Murray, Christopher J L et al. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, Volume 399, Issue 10325, 629-655. Read more

  2. Rippon MG, Rogers AA, Ousey K, Stephenson J (2025). Use of DACC-coated wound dressings in the reduction of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Global Wound Care Journal 1(1): 24-30. Read more

  3. Rippon MG and Rogers A.: Development of silver resistance: a focus on wound care. Wounds International.2025; 16(2), 20–37. Read more

  4. Magro M. Reducing Surgical Site Infections Post-Caesarean Section. Int J Womens Health. 2023; 15:1811-1819. Read more

  5. Chadwick P & Ousey K. Bacterial-binding dressings in the management of wound healing and infection prevention: a narrative review. J Wound Care. 2019; 28(6):370-382. Read more

  6. Dialkylcarbamoyl Chloride-coated wound dressing: An Evidence Review and Position Document. Idensohn PJ, Rippon MG. Wounds International. 2025. Read more

  7. Husmark J, Morgner B, Susilo YB, Wiegand C. Antimicrobial effects of bacterial binding to a dialkylcarbamoyl chloride-coated wound dressing: an in vitro study. J Wound Care 2022; 31(7):560–570. Read more

  8. Naghavi, Mosen et al. (2024) Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990-2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, 1199-1226. Read more