Factors Influencing Surgical Site Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Analysis

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant concern in surgical practice, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and healthcare costs. Understanding SSIs' incidence and risk factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify the various risk factors contributing to SSIs in a tertiary hospital, with the goal of informing better clinical practices and preventive measures. Methodology This hospital-based, prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Madha Medical College and Research Institute, Kanchipuram District, Chennai, India. Ethical approval was obtained, and patients aged 18 to 70 years who underwent non-traumatic exploratory laparotomy and developed SSIs were included. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Wound infections were diagnosed based on established clinical criteria, and microbiological analyses were performed on wound swabs. Results Out of 100 patients, 60 (60%) developed superficial SSIs, 30 (30%) had deep infections, and 10 (10%) experienced organ/space infections. Significant risk factors identified included prolonged surgical duration (55 patients, 55% affected), pre-existing diabetes (40 patients, 40%), and inadequate prophylactic antibiotic use (20 patients, 20%). The study reported an overall recovery rate of 95% among those treated for SSIs. Conclusion The study emphasizes the multifactorial etiology of SSIs, which leads to improved outcomes linked to SSIs, expanding preoperative assessment and suitable preventative measures before surgery, such as antibiotic prophylaxis.