Trends in surgical site infections in general surgery at a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSI) are a preventable cause of hospital acquired infections, which increase morbidity and mortality. This is a retrospective analysis of SSIs in patients undergoing general surgical and gastroenterological operations. The observed incidence was 3.63%. The commonest procedures resulting in SSI were those who underwent laparotomy for bowel resections. The commonest organisms isolated were Enterococcus and Klebsiella species. SSIs can be further reduced by strict adherence to SSI prevention guide-lines.

Keywords

• Surgical site infection (SSI)
• Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA)
• Culture-negative surgical site infection (CnSSI)
• Hospital-infection control committee (HICC)