A Study of Post-Operative Wound Infections in Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital
Author(s): Arvind Gilbert J and P Sasikumar*
Abstract
Background: Postoperative wound infections become a challenge in certain patients and may cause excessive comorbidity, mortality and costs. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative wound infections in emergency abdominal surgeries in patients admitted to Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Method: In this study 120 patients were included who underwent emergency abdominal surgeries. Data concerning type of wound, various surgical procedures, length of surgery, age distribution, sex incidence, preoperative preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis, co morbid conditions, common microorganisms, antibiotic sensitivity, and timing of presentation of SSI were obtained and interpreted, statistically. Results: This study showed that abdomen injury (80%), aging (20%) and duration of surgery (>3.5h), prolonged anesthesia provoked the chances of SSI. There was no correlation of gender with SSI development. Burst abdomen, abscess with suppuration, enterocutaneous fistula and incisional hernia were most common complications associated with post-operative patients. The study also inferred that the proper diabetic management would reduce SSI risk. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the need of strategic goal for effective post-operative wound management based important factors such as host, environmental, and microorganism characteristics before doing any surgery. The antibiotics usage warrants for their resistance and the hospitals should establish an antibiotic policy for surgery patients.