Risk Factors for Surgical Wound Infection after Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: Surgical wound infections typically manifest, on average, within 30 days post-surgery involving the epidermis, subcutaneous tissue, or deep soft tissue.

Objective: To ascertain the primary risk factors associated with surgical wound infection subsequent to cesarean section.

Patients and method: Retrospective case-control study conducted within a cohort of patients who underwent cesarean section for pregnancy termination between 2020 and 2024. Cases of surgical wound infection were confirmed clinically by the ob-gyn or by laboratory culture. The follow-up of the patients was carried out during their stay in the hospital and in the outpatient clinic after discharge. To all the patients in the postpartum period, follow-up appointments were scheduled in the outpatient clinic on days 7 and 30 after the cesarean section.

Results: During the study period were recorded 17,637 obstetric care, of which 6812 (38.62%). were births by cesarean section. In total, 29 cases of infection of the surgical wound that were analyzed along with 87 controls. The average age of the population studied (n = 116). was 24.9± 4.3 years, BMI of 28.4± 0.47, and average 1.3 ± 0.1 pregnancies. multiple vaginal examinations (OR: 10.1, 95% CI: 2.03-50.5)., premature rupture of membranes (OR: 17.709, 95% CI: 1.429-273.4)., anemia (OR: 3.72, CI95%: 1.20-11.56). and absence of antibiotic prophylaxis (OR: 10.13, 95% CI: 2.31-4.37).

Conclusion: Delayed labor, Absence of prophylaxis antibiotics, the multiple vaginal examination, premature birth, premature rupture of membranes and anemia will statistical increase the risk of surgical wound infection fallowing the cesarean section.