Ashwin Chand R1, V. Jeyaraman2, Achu Jacob Philip3
BACKGROUND
Surgical site infection is one of the postoperative complication, which causes increased morbidity and mortality among patients. Various factors are involved and many more preventive methods are available. Pathogenicity of surgical site infection vary based on the type of infection. The sensitivity of organism to antimicrobial varying with time.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was conducted in Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences from October 2010 to September 2011. A total of 150 patients undergoing surgery was taken up for the study. These patients were followed up postoperatively to look for any signs of surgical site infection. Wound swabs were taken and antimicrobials were started as per culture and sensitivity.
RESULTS
Among the 150 patients taken up for study, 11 patients developed surgical site infection that accounts to about 7.33%. Patients with comorbidities like diabetes had higher risk of developing SSI. Most common organism was found to be Staph. aureus.
CONCLUSION
The rate of surgical site infection has been decreasing compared to previous studies. The current problem faced is the increased resistance of microbials to antibiotics. Adequate diabetic control needed to control and avoid SSI. Reduction in SSI will directly reduce the rate of related morbidity and mortality.
