Publication:

Incidence and risk factors for post caesarean delivery surgical site infection in a tertiary care hospital

Background Post-operative surgical site infection (SSI) is the most commonly reported nosocomial infection which constitutes a major public health care problem worldwide. SSI are the one of the most common complication after caesarean section (C-sec) and results in maternal morbidity and mortality, increased length of the hospital stays and economic burden. The aim of the study is to determine the incidence and risk factors of SSI in women undergoing C-sec.

Methods The prospective observational study carried out in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Goa medical college, Bambolim Goa from 1st November 2017 to 30th May 2019. Collection of data was carried using predesigned and pretested proforma. SSI was examined for association of different risk factors and its distribution.

Results During this study period, 2106 patients underwent C-sec, out of which 103 patients developed post-operative SSI with the incidence rate being 4.89%. The incidence rate was found higher in emergency cases (6.55%) as compared to that of elective (1.21%) and median time to SSI was the 6th post- operative day. Majority of SSI, i.e., 102 out of 103 (99.08%) were superficial SSI, 1 (0.98%) were deep SSI and no organ/space SSI. The highest rate of SSI was found in 21-34 years of age group (84.47%). The common risk factors associated are anaemia, diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

Conclusions SSI results from multiple risk factors which include modifiable and non- modifiable factors and thorough analysis of these factors can help prevent SSI. The medical staff should focus on some of the modifiable risk factors can be eliminated by strict antisepsis, timely prophylactic antibiotic and maintaining normothermia as well as optimal glucose level.