Frequency and Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infection among Sudanese Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients in Sudan often present with advanced disease.
• Surgical site infection (SSI) is a frequent complication impacting OSCC treatment outcomes.
• Understanding SSI frequency and risk factors is crucial for improving patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of postoperative SSI in OSCC patients undergoing surgery.
• To identify risk factors associated with SSI development in this patient group.
• To inform strategies for reducing SSI in OSCC surgical patients at Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital (KTDH).

Main Methods:

• A prospective, analytical, hospital-based study was conducted at KTDH from 2022 to 2023.
• Sixty OSCC patients undergoing surgical treatment were monitored for SSI development.
• Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were collected.

Main Results:

• The incidence of SSI was 43.4% among the studied OSCC patients.
• SSI was significantly associated with the number of blood units transfused (P=0.04) and duration of hospital stay (P=0.04).
• Suture use for wound closure showed a significant reduction in SSI risk (P=0.005).

Conclusions:

• Postoperative SSI is a significant concern in OSCC patients, occurring in 43.4% of cases.
• Minimizing intraoperative blood transfusions and utilizing sutures for wound closure can significantly decrease SSI risk.
• Addressing risk factors like advanced tumor stage and site is essential for better surgical outcomes in OSCC.