**5. Summary**

The most common reason for unplanned readmission after surgery is surgical site infection. SSIs are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, transfer to an intensive care setting, prolonged hospitalization, hospital readmission, and increased healthcare costs. In addition, the development of SSI negatively impacts patient experience.

The majority of postoperative issues can be anticipated and prevented preoperatively. Systematically addressing these issues at the preoperative evaluation may result in greater patient satisfaction and fewer complications. Thus, prevention of SSI after hysterectomy begins with a calculation of perioperative risk followed by addressing those risk factors prior to the procedure. Intraoperative measures aimed at SSI prevention include the implementation of evidence-based SSI prevention bundles, proper administration of intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and proper skin/vaginal preparation. Postoperatively, hysterectomy patients should be followed closely.

### **Acknowledgements**

Thanks to the faculty, residents, fellows, and medical students of the Zucker School of Medicine.

*Surgical Site Infection after Hysterectomy DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101492*
