SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING BREAST SURGERY

Abstract

Background: Breast pathologies frequently warrant surgical intervention. Surgical site infection is a common post-operative complication that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The current research determines incidence of surgical site infection in patients undergoing breast surgery. This will help implement preventive measures in this regard.  

Objective: To determine the incidence of surgical site infection in patients undergoing breast surgery.

Materials and methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from 1^st July 2023 to 31^st march 2024 (9 months) in surgery unit of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Female patients above 15 years of age undergoing breast surgery were included while non-consenting patients were excluded. Patient’s blood specimen was sent to Pathology department for determination of blood counts and chemistry. Wound swab was obtained from the cases with infected wounds and were sent to microbiology section for culture to identify causative organism. Mean and standard deviation were used to compute quantitative variables. Frequency and percentages were used for qualitative variables.

Results:  Mean age of 80 study subjects is 58±29.5 (Range:39-69) years. The commonest breast procedures performed were Modified Radical Mastectomy with axillary dissection and lumpectomy which were performed in 33(41.3%) and 18(22.5%) cases respectively. The mean Hemoglobin level was 10.7 ± 1.37 (6-13). Rate of surgical site infection was 0(0%).

Conclusions: The incidence of surgical site infection in patients undergoing breast surgery is negligible, which is attributed to the strict infection control measures in our operation theatre.