To Study Prevalence and Factors Affecting Surgical Site Infections Among Surgical Gastroenterological Patients at Tertiary Care Premier Teaching Institute of North India

A BSTRACT Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly affect patient outcomes and healthcare costs. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors influencing SSIs among patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery at a tertiary care institute in North India. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 302 elective abdominal surgery patients at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Data on demographic, surgical, and perioperative factors were collected, with patients followed up for 30 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis included logistic regression. Results: SSI prevalence was 14.2% (43/302). Significant risk factors included surgery duration >2 h ( P < 0.001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (III and IV, P = 0.028), cancer ( P = 0.014), diabetes ( P = 0.034), hypertension ( P = 0.024), inadequate preoperative hygiene, and improper hair removal methods ( P = 0.02). Conclusion: SSI prevalence was notable among elective gastroenterological surgeries. Effective perioperative management and improved preoperative practices can potentially reduce SSI incidence.