Surgical site infections following colectomy and associate factors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the surgical site infection (SSI) rate and related factors in patients undergoing colectomy at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 298 patients, aged 18 years or older, who underwent colectomy at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City from January to October 2023. Demographic, general characteristics, and surgical characteristics data were collected from medical records using a structured questionnaire. SSIs were diagnosed within 30 days after surgery based on CDC criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing infection rates, with significance set at P<0.05.

Results: A total of 298 patients underwent colectomy, with a median age of 64 years, 54.4% of them were male, and 47.3% had a normal BML The SSI rate was 12.1% and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen. Key characteristics of SSI included abscess formation (83.3%) and the presence of pus or exudate (100%). The risk factors for SSI included preoperative hospital stay (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.22; P=0.008), surgical approach (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.76; P=0.01), and surgical incision classified as infected (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.22-8.45; P=0.018).

Conclusions: SSI after colectomy is relatively common. Patient health status and surgery-related factors, which independently influence the 30-day risk of SSI, should be carefully considered before surgery.

Keywords

Surgical site infection / Colectomy / Risk factor / Pathogens

Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Funding

This research was funded by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City under contract number 136/2024/HÐ-ÐHYD, dated 17/04/2024.

Authors’ contributions

NDPT, HMT and LMQ contributed to the conception and design of the study. NDPT and HHH were involved in data acquisition. The data analysis and interpretation were conducted by NDPT, LMQ, HHH, PTTN. NDPT searched the literature and wrote the manuscript. NDPT, HMT, LMQ, PTTN edited and revised manuscript according to journal’s instructions. All the authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

Publisher’s note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Edited by Pan Y, Lei Y, Zhang Q

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the leaders of the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City and the leaders of the Department of Infection Control for approving and facilitating this study.

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