ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN ABDOMINAL SURGERY: PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES : Surgical Site Infection in Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain one of the most common postoperative complications
following abdominal surgery and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged
hospital stays, and healthcare expenditure. The present descriptive observational study was
conducted to evaluate the factors influencing SSIs in abdominal surgery and to identify effective
preventive and therapeutic measures. The study was carried out over a one-year period at Tamralipto
Government Medical College and Hospital and included 30 patients aged between 15 and 60 years
who developed SSIs following abdominal surgical procedures.
Data were collected from patient records, clinical observations, and postoperative follow-up.
Demographic variables, surgical procedures, wound characteristics, causative factors, symptoms,
dressing intervals, antibiotic therapy, and wound healing duration were analyzed. Female patients
constituted 66.6% of cases, while males represented 33.4%. Gastrointestinal surgeries and secondary
suturing after caesarean section accounted for the majority of SSI cases. Major contributing factors
included microbial contamination, low immunity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, emergency
surgery, poor tissue handling, prolonged hospital stay, and improper wound care.
The study observed that appropriate antibiotic therapy, proper sterilization, regular dressing,
negative-pressure wound therapy, and suitable suturing techniques significantly improved wound
healing outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of perioperative sterility, rational
antibiotic use, and evidence-based wound management in reducing SSI incidence. Implementation
of effective preventive strategies and improved postoperative care may substantially reduce
complications and improve patient outcomes following abdominal surgery.