Post-partum surgical wound infections: incidence after caesarean section in an Italian hospital

Despite international recommendations and general agreement on the fact that more complications arise after caesarean section, Italy ranks first in the number of caesarean sections performed each year. Aim of this cohort study was to estimate the incidence of post-partum wound infections following caesarean section in a sample of low-risk women and to examine the main risk factors correlated.

430 mothers were included in the study. A data collection form was completed with woman's obstetric history, details of the operation and of any infection that occurred during hospital staying. A post-discharge telephone call-up surveillance after delivery was also performed

A total of 20 (4.7%) SSIs were recorded. Through post-discharge surveillance, 85% of infections were identified. The time between membrane rupture and start of the operation was found to be associated with the development of infection (p = 0.04). No statistically significant association with any of the other risk factors was found.

From the comparison of current practices with international guideline recommendations we could identify critical points that will need to be addressed in corrective and training interactions, specifically, choice and timing of administration of antibiotics in antimicrobial prophylaxis and timing of showering and shaving.