This session will review the evidence for nasal decolonization and highlight its success in preventing surgical site infections. It will review different methodologies for nasal decolonization and the strengths and limitations of each. It will include implications for the ambulatory surgery setting and the potential implications of nasal decolonization. The session will also review the challenges of screening programs and the operational and financial benefits of universal decolonization.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Describe the common flora of the nares and the various potential infections they may cause
• Interpret the evidence to date for strategies to reduce the risk of infection in colonized adults
• List the limitations of screening and treating programs in the ambulatory surgery setting
• Differentiate the strengths and limitations of different decolonization strategies