What is the definition of a "surgical site infection" (SSI)?

A surgical site infection (SSI) is defined as an infection that occurs at or near the surgical incision after surgery. This definition emphasizes the direct relationship between the surgical procedure and the onset of the infection, highlighting the importance of sterile techniques and proper wound care during and after operations. SSIs can occur because of various factors, including contamination during surgery, the patient's own flora, or inadequate post-operative care, but fundamentally, they are tied to the surgical incision site itself.

The other choices do not fully encapsulate the criteria for what constitutes an SSI. Infections resulting from improper anesthesia are typically not classified as surgical site infections, as they do not specifically relate to the surgical incision. Similarly, while contaminated surgical tools can lead to infections, that scenario is more associated with the initial infection source rather than the specific definition of a surgical site infection. Moreover, infections that arise purely from post-operative care do not necessarily pertain to the surgical site but could involve other factors or areas unrelated to the incision. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the primary definition and concerns regarding SSIs.