FACTOR INVOLVED IN POST-OPERATIVE WOUND INFECTIONS IN A POTENTIALLY CLEAN CASE IN GENERAL SURGERY WARD

Abstract

Background: Post-operative wound infections represent a prevalent complication in surgical procedures, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality rates. A variety of patient-related factors, including diabetes and obesity, as well as procedural elements, significantly affect infection rates. This study seeks to elucidate the primary risk factors associated with post-operative wound infections in clean surgical cases at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the factors contributing to post-operative wound infections in potentially clean surgical cases within a general surgery ward, with particular emphasis on local patient demographics and surgical practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period in the Department of Surgery at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. A total of 110 patients who developed post-operative wound infections were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data regarding demographic characteristics, surgical procedures, and risk factors—including age over 50 years, diabetes, smoking, anemia, obesity, hospital stay exceeding three days, ASA score greater than 2, and prolonged operative time—were collected using a structured proforma. Data analysis was performed utilizing SPSS version 26, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests to assess associations.

s as p<.05

Conclusion: The study identified diabetes, obesity, prolonged hospital stays, and an ASA score greater than 2 as significant contributors to post-operative wound infections. These results underscore the necessity for targeted preoperative management and infection prevention strategies, particularly for patients at high risk. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to inform enhancements in surgical practices and patient care