Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections at Vietduc Hospital During a 4-Month Period

Abstract

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication associated with serious morbidity, mortality,
and high cost. The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence of SSI among surgical patients at Viet Duc
Hospital and to identify risk factors for SSI .
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of surgical patients treated at the Viet Duc Hospital
from February 2009 to April 2009 was done. Patients in all specialties of surgery were included. Information was
collected using a form created by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Results: Of 1,004 operations, 85 developed SSIs (8.5%), of which 64.7 % were superficial SSIs, and 35.3 % deep
SSIs. SSI incidence was 9.3% for emergency operations, and 16.8% for diabetic patients. SSIs for patients with wound
classes III and IV were higher than for those with classes I and II. Most common organisms isolated included E.coli
(27.7%) and K. pneumoniae (16.7%). Prophylactic antibiotics was given in 19% of patients. Combinations of a betalactam
or a cephalosporin with metronidazole were the most commonly used antibiotic regimens.
Conclusions: The overall incidence of SSI at Viet Duc Hospital was 8.5%. The correlation between SSIs and
risk factors such as ASA score, associated pathologies, surgical wound classification, and antibiotic prophylaxis was not
clearly established. In order to reduce SSIs in our hospital, the study suggested that SSI surveillance and guidelines for
antibiotic prophylaxis are required.