Keywords
Postoperative complications
Surgical site infection
Wound healing
General surgery
Glycemic management
Hospital stay
Pakistan
Clinical trial
Tertiary care hospital
How to Cite
Abstract
Background:
Diabetes is becoming increasingly common in Pakistan and across the world. Many individuals living with diabetes eventually require surgical treatment. It is well known that high blood sugar levels can affect the body’s natural defense system and slow down tissue repair. As a result, diabetic patients may face more complications after surgery. Despite this concern, there is limited local evidence from tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan examining how diabetes influences postoperative outcomes in general surgery.
Objective:
To assess whether diabetes increases the risk of postoperative complications, particularly surgical site infections, delayed wound healing, and prolonged hospital stay, in patients undergoing general surgical procedures at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad.
Methods:
This prospective clinical trial was carried out over one year in the Department of General Surgery at a tertiary hospital in Islamabad. A total of 240 adult patients who underwent elective or emergency general surgical procedures were included. Patients were divided into two equal groups: 120 patients with diabetes and 120 patients without diabetes. All patients received standard perioperative care according to hospital guidelines. The main outcomes observed were surgical site infections, wound-related complications, and duration of hospital stay. Additional postoperative problems such as pneumonia and urinary tract infection were also recorded. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, and a p-value below 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
Postoperative infections were more frequent among diabetic patients. Nearly one-quarter of patients with diabetes developed surgical site infections, compared to one-tenth of non-diabetic patients. Wound healing problems were also more common in the diabetic group. Furthermore, diabetic patients remained hospitalized for a longer period after surgery. Statistical analysis confirmed that diabetes was independently associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications. No deaths were reported during the 30-day follow-up period.
Conclusion:
Diabetes has a clear and measurable effect on surgical recovery. Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop infections, experience delayed wound healing, and require longer hospital care after general surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of proper blood glucose control and coordinated perioperative management to improve outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing surgery.