Post Laparotomy Surgical Site Infections - A Tertiary Care Center Study

Dr Vijayakumaran Pillai; Dr Mebin B Thomas; Dr Meer M Chisthi

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2018

Post Laparotomy Surgical Site Infections - A Tertiary Care Center Study

Dr Vijayakumaran Pillai, Dr Mebin B Thomas, Dr Meer M Chisthi

Abstract :

Introduction: Surgical site infection is defined as infection occurring within 30 days of a surgical operation, and affecting either the incision or deeper tissues at the operation site. These infections are associated with increased incidence of complications as well as increased cost of treatment. Methods: The objective was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection among patients undergoing laparotomy. The subjects were patients undergoing laparotomy in the department of General Surgery, Medical College Trivandrum. Results: The incidence of surgical site infection following all laparotomies was 35.3%. Increased incidence of surgical site infection was associated with older age, prolonged surgery, prolonged hospitalisation, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglycemia, drain tubes and past history of laparotomy. Conclusions: A good number of patients develop surgical site infections after laparotomy. Knowledge about the risk factors will help us to understand surgical site infections in a better way and thereby to take appropriate precautionary measures.