Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) following C-section is a common encountered problem and needs to be analysed. In this study we have determined the incidence, risk factors and common bacterial pathogens in surgical Site Infection (SSI) following C-section at a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A hospital based prospective study conducted for a period of 6 months. Those women whose C-section was complicated by SSI within 5 days postoperatively were included in the study. Risk factors for SSI were identified and microbiological pattern was studied.

Results: Out of 62 women whose C-section was complicated by SSI within 5 days post-operatively, during this study period post caesarean SSI incidence was 0.34%. In this study post C-section SSI found as high as 43.55%, in lower socio-economic status. Among all patients, un-booked were 62.90%, Referred patients were as high as 67.74%. SSI developed in 69.35% patients without preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. C-section done in PROM in 64.50% and as an elective emergency 79.03%, blood transfusion needed in 59.68% and type of incision being transverse (Pfannenstiel) in 88.71%. Subcutaneous suture technique used in 75.81% and secondary healing occurred in 67.74%. Most common organism grown was CoNS (coagulase Negative Staphylococcus) 29.03% in SSI.

Conclusions: To reduce SSI, the hospital infection control system and surgical site infection surveillance program has to be established. Knowing the prevalence and risk factors will help optimal precaution and standard surgical technique to reduce SSI, which causes increased hospital stay of patients.

Nehal Sahay is an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and an Infertility Specialist by profession. Being a doctor, her prime aim in life is to serve the nation and treat her patients successfully. The life of a gynaecologist involves significant physical workload and mental stress, but she always tries her level best to achieve her goal of serving and helping as many patients as possible. She has presented and published many papers and case reports. Her study on post-caesarean section wound infection and related microbiological epidemiology has helped in treating patients on a larger scale. She has been awarded the prestigious “Young Researcher Award 2020”, “CSR Health Impact Award 2021”, “FOX Story India 50 Inspiring Women 2022”, and “Prime Time Global Health Care Award 2024”. Her passion is to inspire people through her work and be a role model for them.