DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i09.055

Pages: 3412-3417

Lower segment cesarean section being the most commonly performed surgery in obstetric practice an attempt has been made to study the incidence of wound infection in emergency and elective lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) and factors predisposing to wound infection. The differences in incidences of wound infection in emergency and elective LSCS is studied. This Hospital based prospective and comparative study was conducted in Modern Government Maternity Hospital, Petlaburj, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, from October 2012 to September 2013. Total number of LSCS performed from November 2012 to October 2013- 5864 (32.16% of the total deliveries-18236).Total number of surgical site infections (SSI) in254cases (4.33% of total LSCS performed) SSI in elective LSCS = 36 (1.03% of elective LSCS performed) SSI in emergency LSCS = 218 (9.18% of emergency LSCS performed). Cases of SSI with cesarean section performed elsewhere and referred to our hospital are excluded. The mean age among cases of elective LSCS is 25 years. The mean age among cases of emergency LSCS is 24 years. Anemia (26.77%) and preeclampsia (25.19%) are the most commonly associated risk factors for SSI. The causative organisms for wound infection in cases of lower segment cesarean section at wound site is studied in detail for the characteristics of wound- erythema, induration, discharge from the wound, wound gaping and intactness of rectus sheath. Wound site is followed up with regular dressing, change of antibiotics as per culture and sensitivity from wound site report. Formation of granulation tissue and timing of resuturing is noted.