Incidence, Risk Factors, and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of Surgical Site Infections in Elective Surgeries at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital

Umashankar R ¹, Sundarrajan K ¹, Anupama K A ^1, Prathiba B ^1*

This study showed insights into SSI rates, associated risk factors, and microbial profiles, informing targeted interventions to improve surgical outcomes and infection control.

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common nosocomial infections, causing significant morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. The incidence of SSIs varies across different settings, influenced by numerous factors. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of SSIs and identify associated risk factors in the surgical wards of a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Methods: Conducted from July to August 2007, this prospective study involved 180 patients undergoing various surgeries in the General Surgery department. Data were collected using a predesigned proforma, and surgical sites were examined and graded. Culture and sensitivity tests were performed on infected wounds. Risk factors, including age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, preoperative waiting time, blood transfusions, and antibiotic prophylaxis, were analyzed using SPSS 13 software. Results: Of the 180 patients, 39 (21.66%) developed SSIs. Among these, 20 were grade 3 and 19 were grade 4 infections. SSIs were more common in older patients, males, those with extreme BMI, anemia, diabetes, hypertension, longer preoperative waiting periods, multiple blood transfusions, and those without antibiotic prophylaxis. Univariate analysis identified several significant risk factors, with gender, extreme BMI, diabetes, and blood transfusion being independent predictors in multivariate analysis. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen, with tetracycline resistance observed. Conclusion: The incidence of SSIs is notably high, with specific risk factors including age, gender, BMI, diabetes, and blood transfusion. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions may reduce SSI rates and improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to refine preventive strategies and reduce SSI incidence.

Keywords: Surgical site infections, Risk factors, Antibiotic sensitivity, Elective surgeries, Hospital infections

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