article_snippet: Most infections are caused by bacteria on the patient's skin entering the surgical wound .
article_snippet: Up to four in 100 people undergoing surgery in the UK will develop an infection, and this can prolong hospital stays by as much as nine days.
article_snippet: Surgical wound infections are the leading cause of hospital readmissions after operations, according to a study published last month.
article_snippet: Most infections are caused by bacteria on the patient's skin entering the surgical woundthe surgical wound.
article_snippet: The most common culprits are Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, responsible for 20 per cent of surgical site infections, coagulase negative staphylococcus, and enterococcus bacteria.
article_snippet: Surgical site infections are costly as Surgical site infections increase the length of stay for patients and can lead to further surgery.'
highlights_snippet: Surgical wound infections are the leading cause of hospital readmissions .
  