THE INCIDENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN A HIGH-VOLUME TERTIARY CARE FACILITY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To uncover the incidence and respective trends of post-operative infections in the high-volume facility. METHOD and MATERIALS: A Performa was made for the study, in the light of the ethical standard set by the Board of Ethical Governance, encompassing an analysis of the bacterial pathogens encountered from cultures sent for histopathology from cases that had experienced surgical site infections, their respective antibiotic sensitivity, the nature of the procedures, co-morbidities of the patients, their mode of admission, the designated surgeon(s) and staff performing/assisting the cases, time frame, operating theatre, temperature control and wound care by dressers/physicians/attendants, over a period of six months between July 2022 and January 2023. Patients were followed post-operatively and after discharge on follow up during from Outpatient Department.

RESULTS: Among approximately 525 Cases Performed in both Units of the Department of General Surgery, 17 Surgical Site Infections were recorded. (Details in Discussion), Rate: Approx = 3.24%

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Any surgical case without Gross Contamination warranting keeping wounds open and repeating dressing. Nearly all typical cases including abdominal, neck and breast wounds.

EXCLUSION: Cases with Gross contamination where SSI is imminent to warrant avoiding closure of wound; patients with multiple comorbidities were excluded.

OPERATIVE DEFINATION: A Surgical Site Infection is defined as infection of any surgical field recently operated upon, elucidated often by erythema or discharge from the wound site