Risk Factors and Microbial Etiology of Surgical Site Infections Following Lower Segment Cesarean Section: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Lower Segment Cesarean Section (LSCS) delivery is a major obstetrical surgical procedure to save the lives of mothers and fetus. Various risk factors in SSI following LSCS has been identified which includes subcutaneous hematoma, subcutaneous hematoma, tobacco use in pregnancy, incision length > 16.6 cm, body mass index >30 or 35 kg/m2, prolonged second stage (compared with first stage), no antibiotic prophylaxis, duration of labor >12 h, premature rupture of membranes, gestational diabetes, previous cesarean delivery and emergency delivery. Diagnosis of surgical site infection requires evidence of clinical signs and symptoms of infection which may be further supported by microbiological evidence. Material and Methods: A total of 646 patients were included in the study of which 27 were diagnosed as SSI. Risk factor for SSI was divided into three categories: 1) host-related factors, 2) pregnancy and intrapartum-related factors, and 3) procedure-related factors at ANMMCH, Gaya. Conclusion: To reduce the SSI rates post LSCS, proper assessment of risk factors and their modification is required. Frequent antibiotic susceptibility testing for resistance is required.