OBJECTIVE To summarize the process of investigation, disposal and prevention of a cluster incident of post-operative incision infection following microtia plastic surgery in the otorhinolaryngology department of a tertiary care hospital, in order to provide a basis for hospital-aquired infection prevention and control.

METHODS An epidemiological survey was conducted on seven patients who underwent otorhinolaryngoplasty for microtia in the ENT department of a tertiary care hospital from 27 Jul. to 7 Sep. 2023, and interventions were implemented.

RESULTS The incidence rate of infection was 71.43% among post-otorhinolaryngoplasty patients. In 5 patients, area for electrocoagulation of haemostatic increased by approximately 50% compared to the previous period, and drainage tubes were left in the surgical area for 11 to 13 days. Patients changed dressings in a shared dressing room. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in three of the infected patients, and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns were similar to that of a lower respiratory tract infection patient (case 0) in the same department.

CONCLUSION Inadequate aseptic practice by medical staff, longer retention of drainage tubes, incomplete disinfection of the environment of the dressing room, and changes in surgical procedures may be the primary factors contributing to the occurrence of this cluster of infections.