Paper Title: Prevalence and Pattern of Post Caesarean Section Wound Sepsis at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A 5 Year Review
Authors: John C.O., Omoruyi S.A.
Article DOI:
Abstract/Summary:
Background: Caesarean section is one of the most common surgical procedures in obstetrics. It remains a safe way of birth yet it is associated with maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality including wound infection. Post caesarean section wound infection is an important cause of physical, psychological, and socio-economic trauma. Material and Methods: This was a five-year retrospective study of case records of 51 women managed with wound infection following caesarean sections at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Statistical analysis of results was done using Microsoft Excel® 2017 statistical software. The level of statistical significance was set at P-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of patients was 29.68 ± 4.88 (S.D) years and the mean parity was 1.43 ± 1.34. The prevalence of wound infection was 1.99%. Some identified risk factors were emergency caesarean section, prolonged labour, cephalopelvic disproportion and post-operative anaemia. Most of the surgeries were done by senior residents, lasted for more than 1 hour and mean blood loss during caesarean section was 1.03 ± 0.80 (S.D) litres. The majority 16 (31.37%) of the wound swab specimen yielded Staphylococcus aureus and ceftriaxone was the most commonly used sensitive antibiotic. All the patients stayed in the hospital for more than seven days. Conclusion: The pattern of the risk factors, micro-organisms cultured from wounds, antibiotics used and complications like a prolonged hospital stay identified in this study, highlights the need to promote effective measures to prevent and manage wound infections.
Publication Date:
2021-12-31