Risk factors for surgical site infection following cesarean section.

Introduction: Post caesarean section (CS) wound infections represents a considerable load for health system; therefore, preventive measures should be a health care priority in developing world.1 The rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after caesarean section is reported between 3% -15%. Objective: To determine risk factors responsible for surgical site infection following caesarean section. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit II Civil Hospital Karachi during January 2017 to June 2017. Total 163 women with post cesarean wound infection, irrespective of any age and parity, were included in the study. Post-surgery, final assessment was made after 30 days. Informed consent was taken and patients were inquired about history of trial of labor from Dai or lady health visitor (LHV), history of leaking of amniotic fluid, presence of maternal fever ≥100 for 24 hours, maternal leukocytosis >15000/mm3, uterine tenderness, foul odor of amniotic fluid and decreased Hemoglobin level. Women with history of diabetes and gestational diabetes, cesarean section performed in other settings and had undergone cesarean section via midline vertical incision were excluded. Findings were recorded in a self-designed questionnaire. SPSS Version 20 used to analyze the data. Results: Mean age of women was 27.88±4.55 years. Most common factor for surgical site infection was personal hygiene (58.9%) followed by obesity (23.3%), history of LHV/Dai handling (20.2%), PROM (17.8%), anemia (13.5%) and chorioamnionitis (10.4%). Conclusion: For surgical site infection, personal hygiene is more common risk factor. Keywords: Risk actors, Surgical Site Infection (SSI), Caesarean Section.