Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection following colorectal surgery in Iran: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Surgical site infection (SSI) after colorectal surgery remains a significant problem for its negative clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of SSI after colorectal surgery in 5-Azar hospital of Gorgan, Golestan province, Iran and to further evaluate the related risk factors. Methods A prospective design was applied. Patients in the 5-Azar hospital of Gorgan, Golestan province, Iran was prospectively monitored for SSI after colorectal surgery. The demographic and perioperative characteristics were collected, and the main outcome were SSI within postoperative 30 days. Univariate analyses were used to identify risk factors. Results A total of 240 patients were enrolled in the study and the overall SSI rate was 23.3% (56 patients). Univariate analyses indicated that corticosteroids use (Risk Ratio (RR) = 3, 95% CI: 1.62–5.54), segmental resection with anastomosis (RR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.12–4.63), anemia (RR = 4.52, 95% CI: 3.11–6.59), diabetics (RR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.73–4.14), and opium use (RR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.17–2.99) are risk factors for SSI. Conclusions SSI still seems to be a problem in colon surgery despite the observance of scientific principles. There are some risk factors for SSI that can be prevented.