By Esther Espunyes, EORNA President
Last week, I reflected on why safe surgery begins before the first incision. This week, I want to focus on a principle that defines perioperative excellence: every step matters.
The 7S Bundle (developed by Surgical Infection Consultants Maureen Spencer and Peter Graves) reminds us that preventing surgical site infections is a pathway, not a single intervention. It begins with Safe Surgery: limiting unnecessary traffic in the operating room, complying with surgical attire standards, ensuring effective sterilization, timely antimicrobial prophylaxis, normothermia, proper hair removal with clippers when needed, and meticulous environmental hygiene. Screen identifies patients at risk through MRSA/MSSA screening and assessment of individual risk factors. Shower prepares the patient with evidence-based preoperative bathing and nasal decolonization. Skin emphasises alcohol-based antisepsis with correct application and drying time. Surgical Irrigation reduces contamination before wound closure, while Sutures coated with triclosan or chlorhexidine provide additional protection against infection. Finally, Skin Incisional Protection safeguards the wound with appropriate postoperative barriers and advanced dressings when indicated.
The strength of this bundle lies not in any individual component, but in the consistent delivery of all seven by well-trained perioperative teams supported by education, audit, and evidence-based leadership.
Safe surgery is built one step at a time—because every step truly counts.
Next week, I will reflect on the invisible foundation that makes every safe procedure possible: sterility. Beyond instruments and sterile fields, it is a culture of precision, discipline, and unwavering respect for aseptic principles that protects every patient.
#EORNAPresidentInsights #EORNAReflections #PatientSafety #EuropeanPerioperativeLeadership
