Authors

Department of Surgery/ College of Medicine/ Kirkuk University

Abstract

Background: Prophylactic antibiotics have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of febrile morbidity associated with surgical operations. Surgical site infections (SSI‘s) account for approximately (15%) of nosocomial infections and are associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased costs. Aim of the study: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in reducing the incidence of postsurgical wound infection. Objective: (1) - To improve the outcome and reduce the time stay at the hospital. (2) - To determine the independent risk factors for postsurgical infection. (3) - To decrease the incidence of postsurgical wound infection. Study Design: A prospective comparative study. Place and Duration: Department of surgery-Azadi Teaching Hospital/ Kirkuk, from June 2007-December 2012. Patiens and Methods: 600 patients undergoing surgical operations were enrolled in this study and classified into two groups: male 327, (54.5%) and female 273, (45.5%). GROUP 1:- 300 patients received parental prophylactic antibiotics. M; 181, (30.2%), F; 119, (19.8%) GROUP 2:- 300 patients not are receiving prophylactic antibiotics. M; 146, (24.3%), F; 154, (25.7%). Both groups were followed for any sign of infection up to 2-3 weeks. Results: The rate of infection in the emergency surgeries was (13%) significantly higher than that in the planned and elective (4%) surgeries. The infection rate was seen to be the maximum, with prolonged stay at the hospital, (11.7%) more than three days in group1, and (21%) days in group 2 when more than three days duration of the post-operative hospitalization. There was a significant increase in the rate of infection as the duration of the surgeries increased (13.8%) if lasting for more than two hours. Patients with comorbid disease have higher IR (51%) in comparism with non co morbid patients. Conclusion: the use of prophylactic antibiotics therapy is satisfactory in our surgical environment; this practice would be efficient, cost effective and prevent the emergence of nosocomial infection in developing countries.

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