Risk factors and management of surgical site infection in caesarean section patients at a teaching hospital

Objectives: This study was conducted to recognize the risk factors particularly the modifiable ones that may be related to the woman, pregnancy or to the technique itself and implementing the strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat infection so that the morbidity and mortality related to the post-surgery sepsis can be reduced. Methods: Present study was a prospective observational study conducted at department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Aurangabad for the duration of 2 years (October 2018 to September 2020). SSI diagnosed by clinical features, CDC criteria, depth of infection and contamination, treatment modalities and morbidity related to SSI are analysed. Results: Risk factors noted for SSI in caesarean section patients were emergency caesarean section, 3 or more per vaginal examination, duration of surgery > 38 mins, anaemia, PROM, previous surgery (caesarean section/ hysterectomy/ myomectomy/ laparotomy), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, BMI > 30 kg/m2 , blood loss >500ml, age > 30 years & GDM. Conclusion: Always screen for high risk factors preoperatively and anticipate SSI. Incidence in our study was 4.7, also means that 95.3% of those who underwent caesarean section did not develop SSI. So, antibiotic policy can be updated as that a second line antibiotic should be started by anticipating SSI in those who have any high-risk factors.