Empirical therapy of antibiotics in surgical site infections

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to calculate the incidence of SSI based on gender, age, department, type of surgery, severity of wound using wound grading scale as well as complications of SSI and evaluating the prescribing pattern of antibiotics in SSI based on different departments and type of surgery. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted for six months in tertiary care hospital. The patients data was collected and analysed from General Surgery, Orthopedics and Gynaecology. Results: Out of total number of reviewed cases, 119 cases were found to be SSI cases showing the incidence rate of 23.8% (male-52.9%, females-47.1%). Overall SSI was found to be common in 50-59 age group (21.8%) and was more seen in general surgery department (78.9%). Surgeries like Ectomies (26.8%) were more prone to SSI followed by Meshplasty (14.2%). Clean-contaminated cases (62.1%) were found to be more and 53.7% cases were with Pus discharge complication followed by Wound gapping (28.5%). Metronidazole was used in 39% cases of SSI. Metronidazole (61.3%) was widely used in General surgery followed by Orthopedic (6.7%) and Gyanecology (5%). Metronidazole was used in 23.4% cases of Ectomies followed by Abcess drainage (8.4%) and other surgeries. Conclusion: From this study, it was concluded that surgical site infection is frequently occurring nosocomial infection. Males are more prone than Females. Pus discharge and wound gapping are the most common complications in SSI where Metronidazole and Ceftriaxone are also effective along with Cefazolin.