PREVALENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS FOLLOWING ELECTIVE KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major postoperative complication in kidney transplant recipients, compromising graft outcomes and increasing healthcare burden. Immunosuppression, comorbid conditions, and perioperative factors contribute to the heightened risk of infections in this population. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of SSIs among patients undergoing elective kidney transplantation at a tertiary care center. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months at a tertiary hospital in Lahore. A total of 200 adult patients undergoing elective kidney transplantation were enrolled using consecutive sampling. SSIs were identified based on CDC criteria within 30 days postoperatively. Data were collected on demographic, clinical, and intraoperative variables. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. All procedures were conducted in compliance with ethical guidelines and IRB approval. Results: The overall prevalence of SSIs was 17%, with superficial infections accounting for 58.8% of cases. Significant risk factors included diabetes mellitus (AOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.02–3.76), surgical duration >3 hours (AOR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.45–5.54), use of surgical drains (AOR: 3.12; 95% CI: 1.61–6.03), and low serum albumin levels (AOR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.13–4.56). These findings indicate a strong correlation between modifiable clinical factors and SSI development. Conclusion: SSIs remain a significant concern in kidney transplant patients. Identification and management of modifiable risk factors can substantially reduce infection rates, improve graft outcomes, and support evidence-based infection control practices in transplant surgery.