Incidence and determinants of surgical site infection following cesarean section: a one-year retrospective cohort study from a tertiary care centre in North India

Kanika Burman; Manmeet Kaur; Seema

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263414

Authors

Kanika Burman Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Manmeet Kaur Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Seema Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263414

Keywords:

Surgical site infection, Cesarean section, Obesity, Emergency LSCS, Microbiology

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) remains a significant postoperative complication following lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) and contributes to maternal morbidity and prolonged hospitalization.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, from 1 February 2025 to 31 January 2026. All women undergoing LSCS during the study period (n=544) were included. SSI was defined according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and independent t test. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 544 women undergoing LSCS, 44 developed SSI, resulting in an incidence of 8.08%. Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), emergency CS, and repeat CS were significantly associated with SSI (p<0.05). Patients with SSI had significantly longer postoperative hospital stay than those without SSI (8.2±2.3 vs 4.1±1.2 days; p<0.001).

Conclusions: The incidence of SSI was 8.08%. Maternal obesity, emergency surgery, and repeat CS were significant determinants. Strengthening perioperative infection-prevention protocols is essential to reduce postoperative morbidity.

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