Surgical Site Infection After Abdominal Surgery: Distribution and Determinants From a Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of postoperative complications, particularly after abdominal surgeries.
• High SSI rates persist globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, increasing morbidity and healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and patterns of SSIs following abdominal surgeries.
• To identify key risk factors associated with SSIs in patients at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India.

Main Methods:

• A 18-month cross-sectional study involving 70 patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
• Data collection included demographic, clinical, surgical, and microbiological parameters; SSIs diagnosed clinically and confirmed via cultures.
• Statistical analysis utilized descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The overall SSI incidence was 22.9% (16/70 patients).
• Higher SSI rates observed in patients with diabetes (31.4%), prolonged preoperative stays, and open surgeries (31%).
• Independent predictors for SSI included prolonged surgery, dirty wound classification, extended preoperative stay, and diabetes; *Escherichia coli* and *Staphylococcus aureus* were common pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Multiple interrelated and often preventable factors contribute to SSIs after abdominal surgery.
• Targeted strategies like identifying high-risk patients, using prophylactic antibiotics, employing minimally invasive techniques, and maintaining aseptic practices are crucial.
• Findings underscore the need for enhanced infection control and antimicrobial stewardship in Indian surgical settings.