Incidence of postoperative wound infection in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients following clean surgical procedures: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52442/jrmi.v12i1.1020Keywords:
Clean Surgical Procedures, Diabetes Mellitus, Glycemic Control, Postoperative Complications, Surgical Wound InfectionAbstract
Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) is among the most common hospital-acquired infections, contributing to delayed wound healing, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Patients with diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of developing SSIs due to impaired immunity and delayed tissue repair.
Objectives: To determine the incidence of postoperative wound infection in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing clean surgical procedures and to compare the severity and pattern of infection between the two groups.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in in the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan. Patients (n=30) were divided equally into diabetic (n=150) and non-diabetic (n=150) groups. Patients aged 20–70 years undergoing clean surgical procedures were enrolled. Baseline demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were documented. Patients were assessed for SSI on postoperative days 1, 7, and 28. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age was 49.8 ± 10.2 years in diabetics and 47.6 ± 9.5 years in non-diabetics (p=0.132). The overall SSI rate was 20.0% in diabetics versus 7.3% in non-diabetics (p=0.002). Infection rates were significantly higher among diabetics on days 7 (p=0.037) and 28 (p=0.006), respectively.
Conclusion: Diabetic patients undergoing clean surgical procedures are at a significantly higher risk of SSIs. Strict perioperative glycemic control and vigilant postoperative monitoring are essential to minimize infection risk.
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