THE FREQUENCY OF INTRAABDOMINAL INFECTION AFTER EMERGENCY ABDOMINAL SURGERY AMONG PATIENTS OF A GOVERNMENT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN AN UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRY

Abstract

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are a significant cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality following emergency abdominal surgery, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings. This study aimed to determine the frequency of IAIs after emergency abdominal surgery and to identify associated risk factors and postoperative outcomes in a government tertiary care hospital . A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a one-year period from January to December 2023, including adult patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery. Data on demographics, comorbidities, type and duration of surgery, postoperative IAIs, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Among 250 patients, IAIs were observed in 18% of cases, with a higher frequency following bowel resections and appendectomies. Diabetes mellitus, prolonged operative duration, and trauma-related surgeries were identified as significant predictors of IAIs. Patients who developed IAIs experienced longer hospital stays, higher incidence of septic shock, and increased mortality compared to patients without infections. These findings indicate that intra-abdominal infections remain a substantial postoperative burden following emergency abdominal surgery. Early diagnosis, timely antimicrobial therapy, strict infection control measures, and focused management of high-risk patients are essential to reduce postoperative complications, mortality, and overall healthcare burden in resource-constrained settings.