Comparative Analysis of Surgical Site Infection Rates in Elective and Emergency Abdominal Surgery at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) constitute a significant source of postoperative morbidity and mortality globally. Furthermore, SSIs are associated with elevated healthcare expenditures and extended hospitalizations. This investigation aimed to quantify the incidence of SSIs following elective and emergency abdominal surgical procedures and to evaluate their correlation with various identified risk factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was employed, utilizing the medical records of 200 patients who underwent general surgery at a tertiary public hospital in South India. The study population comprised two groups: emergency and elective abdominal surgical cases (n=100 per group). Data extraction from the hospital's electronic medical records was performed, and subsequent statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0. Results: The study cohort of 200 patients consisted of 57% males, with a mean age of 49.3 years (range: 18-88). Contaminated wounds were present in 122 patients (61%), and 68 patients (34%) exhibited at least one pre-existing comorbidity. The mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 6.98 days. The overall SSI rate was 11%, with a higher incidence observed in emergency abdominal surgery (13%) compared to elective abdominal surgery (9%). Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 36% of patients diagnosed with SSIs. Conclusions: The findings indicate a higher SSI incidence following emergency abdominal surgery compared to elective procedures. Advanced age, pre-existing comorbidities, wound contamination, and prolonged postoperative hospital stay were identified as factors associated with an increased risk of developing SSIs.