Drenajes quirúrgicos e infecciones nosocomiales en el hospital Santa María del Socorro de Ica - 2024

ABSTRAC Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a frequent complication of surgical care, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Although surgical drains are often useful, they may also serve as entry points for pathogens. Objective: To determine the association between the use of surgical drains and the frequency of hospital-acquired infections at Santa María del Socorro Hospital in Ica, Peru, during 2024. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study was conducted among 177 adult patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Sociodemographic, clinical, and surgical variables were analyzed using a validated data collection form. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were applied to assess associations (p 7 days) was also more frequent in the drainage group (37.8 % vs. 0 %; p < 0,001). Conclusions: The use of surgical drains was significantly associated with increased frequency and severity of hospital acquired infections. Strict indications and timely removal of these devices are recommended, along with strengthened institutional prevention strategies.