Prospective Observational Study of Surgical Site Infection in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Elective General Surgery.

Samuel Sailo; Hnamte Ram  Buatsaiha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2348

Authors

Samuel L Sailo Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, Zoram Medical College, Mizoram, India
Hnamte Ram Buatsaiha Department of General Surgery, Zoram Medical College, Mizoram, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2348

Keywords:

Surgical Site Infection, Bacteriology, Diabetes Mellitus, Wound Healing, Hospital Stay

Abstract

Background:

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major cause of postoperative morbidity, particularly among patients with diabetes mellitus. Poor perioperative glycaemic control and prolonged surgical exposure increase infection risk. This study assessed the incidence, bacteriological profile, antibiotic susceptibility pattern, and determinants of SSIs in diabetic patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted among 70 adult diabetic patients who underwent elective clean and clean-contaminated surgeries at Zoram Medical College and Hospital, Mizoram, between August 2022 and July 2024. Demographic data, perioperative variables, and postoperative glucose levels were recorded. Wound infections were identified using CDC criteria. Culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results:

The overall SSI incidence was 15.7% (11/70). Infection rates were 5.5% in clean wounds and 19.2% in clean-contaminated wounds. Postoperative hyperglycaemia showed significant association with SSI: 4.2% (≤150 mg/dL), 38.1% (151–200 mg/dL), and 50% (≥201 mg/dL). Increased operative duration (>150 minutes) and prolonged preoperative hospital stay were associated with higher infection rates. Positive wound cultures were obtained in 81.8% of infected cases. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the predominant isolates. Most organisms showed sensitivity to carbapenems and higher-generation cephalosporins.

Conclusion:

Surgical site infection in diabetic patients is strongly associated with postoperative hyperglycaemia, operative duration, and wound classification. Strict perioperative glycaemic control and rational antibiotic use are essential to reduce infection risk.

Recommendation:

Implementation of standardized perioperative glucose control protocols is recommended.

Author Biographies

Samuel L Sailo, Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, Zoram Medical College, Mizoram, India

is an associate professor in the Department of General Surgery at Zoram Medical College, Mizoram, with clinical and research interests in surgical infections and diabetic wound management.

Hnamte Ram Buatsaiha, Department of General Surgery, Zoram Medical College, Mizoram, India

is a faculty member in the department of general surgery at Zoram Medical College, Mizoram, with an interest in gastrointestinal surgery and infection control.

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