Abstract

Background and Objective- Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the common healthcare associated infections and account for approximately a quarter of all nosocomial infections.. The risk factors and microbial etiology are different in various situations. Hence a study of the risk factors and microbial pattern associated with Surgical site infections will help  to develop a treatment policy for the institution.

Materials and method- Data was collected during hospital stay and one month post operatively. Data was collected on important study variables including medical history and risk factors by the use of pretested interview schedule. Parameters like socioeconomic status was assessed by Kuppuswamy’s socio economic status scale. Swabs taken from SSI were tested in the Department of Microbiology, Govt. Medical college, Thiruvananthapuram. for culture and sensitivivity.

Results- A total of 1000 cases were studied during the study period and there were 138 cases (13.8%) of surgical site infection following major abdominal gynecologic surgeries. Of the total 138 cases of SSI micro organisms were isolated in 54 cases (31.8%). This included Klebsiella Species 23 cases (42.6%), Staphylococcus aureus 20 cases (37%), MRSA 9 cases (16.7%)  and      E coli. 2 cases( 3.7%)

Low education status, low socio economic status, emergency nature of surgeries, diabetes, urinary tract infection and  premature rupture of membranes for more than 12 hours were significant risk factors

Conclusion - Klebsiellaspp was the most common isolate obtained. Knowledge of microbial etiology and sensitivity pattern would be helpful regarding the use of prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotics.

Keywords- Abdominal surgery, surgical site infection, risk factors, LSCS.

Dr Sujatha.T.L

Additional Professor

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SATH, Thiruvananthapuram