Retrospective and prospective study of surgical site infection, associated risk factors and profile of causative micro-organisms in laparotomy wounds

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI), is a major complication of surgery and third most commonly reported nosocomial infection. SSI increase length of stays in hospital, costs of health care and morbidity and mortality of patients. This study aims to determine the incidence, associated risk factors and type of pathogenic organisms causing laparotomy wound infection. Methods: This study was done on 200 patients who underwent elective and emergency laparotomy. Diagnosis of wound infection was clinical. Discharge from all wounds was subjected to microbiological analysis.Results: The incidence of SSI following laparotomies is 25%. Risk factors being emergency laparotomy, dirty wound, male sex, increased age, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, haemoglobin 2hrs. Most common organism isolated was E. coli.Conclusion: In handling laparotomy cases all aseptic precautions should be maintained, risk factors should be identified early and infections should be treated as per culture sensitivity pattern.