Cesarean Section Incision Complications and Associated Risk Factors: A Quality Assurance Project

Background: Today in the United States, approximately 30% of deliveries are performed by cesarean section. Wound infections and other post-operative complications represent a frequent morbidity which may be improved with an understanding of local risk factors. Objective: This project used a retrospective analysis of cesarean section incision complications and infection events along with patient chart information to identify potential risk factors associated with incisional wound complications at our institution. Methods: ICD9 codes identified 618 cesarean sections from July 2012 through June 2013. Of these, 59 were excluded. Twelve different data elements were examined and complications were divided into two categories: presence of infection and presence of seroma/hematoma. Statistics included univariate analysis and multiple logistic regressions to identify an odds ratio for associations using P 33.4 and preeclampsia. Conclusions: Cesarean section rates account for approximately 30% of deliveries, with significant maternal morbidity associated with incisional wound complications. This study found multiple significant risk factors for both wound complications and infections. Preeclampsia was an indepen* Corresponding author.