Prediction of Significant Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection at a Tertiary Care Center. A descriptive study

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) is key to increased postoperative morbidity and costs. This study aimed to determine the significant risk factors for postoperative surgical site infections and wound healing. Methodology : This is an observational study conducted at Bir Hospital and Patan Hospital from March 2012 to January 2013 conducted among 136 patients undergoing open surgical procedures for 30 days post-operatively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for SSI. Results: The incidence of SSI was 14.7%. Superficial infection was found in 90% and deep infection in 20%. Patients’ age, sex, time taken for surgery, ASA grade, and underlying disease had no impact on SSI. Multivariate analysis showed serum albumin < 3 gm/dL (p-value< 0.001), body mass index (BMI)> 25kg/m^2 (p-value <0.001), previous surgery (p-value <0.001) and hemoglobin level < 10 gm/dL (p-value 0.002) were a significant risk factor for SSI. Conclusion: In this study, we found that low serum albumin, BMI, previous surgery, and low hemoglobin levels were independently associated with a significant risk of SSI. High levels of suspicion and close monitoring of patients with these risk factors may ensure more optimal patient outcomes.