A STUDY OF INCIDENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MUMBAI, INDIA.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) and  risk factors affecting SSI at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India. Methods: This study includes 1000 patients who underwent various surgeries and the risk factors were studied. Southampton wound scoring is used to identify SSIs and data collection. Swabs obtained from wounds were processed using standard microbiological methods. Results: Overall SSI rate is 9.6% (96/1000). Age >50 years, low immunity, diabetes mellitus, emergency surgery, presence of drain, surgical wound class, longer duration of surgery are associated with increase in SSI rates. The most common organism isolated is S.aureus (22/96) followed by E.coli (20/96). A standard wound scoring system helps in identifying and surveillance of SSIs. It aids in data collection and feedback to surgeons who can take appropriate steps to reduce SSIs.