Surgical Site Infections after Cesarean Delivery: Incidence and Assessment of Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) after C-section is one of the major concerns of health care providers because it not only increases the overall hospital cost, length of patients’ hospital stay but it largely contributes to the mortality and associated morbidity. In this present study, we aimed to expose the associated risk factors of SSI. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MMC Kathua, w.e.f September 2019 to August 2020. A total of 394 women patients were included in the study on the basis of laid down inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was under taken after approval by the institutional Ethical committee. Results: The incidence of surgical site infection was observed as (11.4%) and average age of studied patients was (31.6±9.38) with most of the patients, accounting for 86.5% were falling in the age interval of (25-35) years followed by 10.7% patients ageing less than 25 years We found that surgical site infection was significantly associated with type of surgery, type of incision and type of suturing. Conclusion: The present study revealed that surgical site infection is significantly associated with emergency surgery, vertical skin type incision and interrupted suturing. We recommend regular screening and implementation of health education programs to impart knowledge of associated risk factors of SSI that will eventually help the patients to attain optimal health benefits. Keywords: Caesarean section, surgical site infection, vertical incision, suturing.