OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infection (SSI) represents an important cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality and increases costs significantly. United States´ studies show a mortality rate that varies between 15%-40%. In Chile, ~70,000cases are reported annually and SSI extends length of stay (LOS) in ~10days, costing US$70 million. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature that assesses clinical and economic outcomes related to SSI in Latin America. METHODS: Systematic review was conducted by searching for Latin-American studies in PubMed (MEDLINE) and LILACS and were included studies that provided overall incidence data, mortality and costs related to SSI treatment (LOS, use of inpatient resources, or any outcome-related costs). RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Systematic review revealed few studies quantifying and analyzing costs of SSI in Latin America despite the heavy burden to healthcare system. The variability in SSI incidence, treatment costs and other outcomes are due to local differences in guidelines and costs structures of each healthcare system. However it is notable that SSI in Latin America is also associated with increased morbidity, mortality and hospital costs. It is clear further studies evaluating SSI economic outcomes in Latin America are needed.