Superficial incisional surgical site infections in emergency surgery in cancer patients: A tertiary cancer care center experience

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to review the superficial incisional surgical site infections (SISSIs) in emergency surgery in cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The microbiological culture and sensitivity reports of patients undergoing emergency surgery for cancer of 1 year (April 2016 to March 2017) were analyzed along with the clinical factors associated with it from a surgeon's perspective. RESULTS: Of the 308 patients who underwent surgery, SISSI rate was 11.7%. The most common organism was Escherichia coli (27%) followed by enterococci (21%). Prolongation of hospital stay was average 2 days. Mortality rate among SISSI patients was 7.9%. Concordance among ongoing antibiotic and culture was 72%. CONCLUSION: Regular review of the current microbial spectrum and its antibiotic spectrum is required, especially in immunocompromized cancer patients.