ABSTRACT
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and increased cost. The accurate identification of risk factors is essential to develop strategies to prevent these infections. Objectives: To analyze the incidence of surgical site infections & to identify associated risk factors. Materials & methods: During the study period, data were collected prospectively for 494 patients undergoing major surgery (abdominal hysterectomy, laparotomy, caesarean section) in the obstetrics & gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital. Results: Out of 494 patients, 21 patients (4.25%) developed SSI. The highest rate of SSI (50%) was found in age group 51-60 years. The rate of SSI for 0, 1, 2 & 3 basic risk indices was 1.59%, 3.15%, 5.85% & 25% respectively. Incidence of SSI was higher in elective surgeries ascompared to emergency surgeries, a paradoxical finding of our study. Conclusion: Age, Basic SSI risk index, & electivity of the procedure were identified as the main predictors of surgical site infections.