Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) and complicates up to 10–-15% of operations, with considerable healthcare resources expended in the process. In addition to the use of appropriate hair removal, antibiotic prophylaxis, avoidance of hypothermia and peri-operative blood glucose control to reduce SSIs, there is new research and outcomes that should be considered for inclusion in guidelines. The efficacy of preoperative bathing/showering, antibiotic prophylaxis for clean surgery and peri-operative oxygen supplementation to prevent SSIs remains doubtful. However, the use of 2% chlorhexidine in alcohol skin preparation, postoperative negative pressure wound therapy and antiseptic surgical dressings do show promise.