The Open Surgery Journal

2014, 8 : 1-8
Published online 2014 January 10. DOI: 10.2174/1874300501408010001
Publisher ID: TOSJ-8-1

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Post Operative Infections in the Limbe Regional Hospital of Cameroon

Ngowe Ngowe M , Toure A , Mouafo Tambo FF , Chichom A , Tchounzou R , Ako-Egbe L and Sosso MA
University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.

ABSTRACT

Background:

Postoperative infections (POIs) contribute to morbidity and mortality of surgical patients. There was no data on the prevalence and associated risk factors of POIs in the Limbe Regional Hospital (RLH).

Methods:

Postoperative infections (POIs) contribute to morbidity and mortality of surgical patients. There was no data on the prevalence and associated risk factors of POIs in the Limbe Regional Hospital (RLH).

Results:

848 patients were selected among whom 78.8% were females. 62.1% of the patients were selected from the Obstetric and Gynaecology ward, while 37.9%were from the surgical ward. The mean age of the study subjects was 32.3±12.4 years. 175 patients met the criteria for POI giving a prevalence of 20.6%. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology ward had the highest prevalence of POI (61.7%). Prevalence of POIs was highest (64.3%) among patients in the 0 - 10 years age group. Males (26.7%) were at a higher risk of developing POIs .There was a statistically significant difference between POI and participants’ age group (p`0.05). Peritonitis displayed the highest rate of POI (36.6%) while tubal ligation had the lowest (0%). Purulent wound discharge was the most frequent diagnostic criteria for postoperative infection.

Conclusion:

848 patients were selected among whom 78.8% were females. 62.1% of the patients were selected from the Obstetric and Gynaecology ward, while 37.9%were from the surgical ward. The mean age of the study subjects was 32.3±12.4 years. 175 patients met the criteria for POI giving a prevalence of 20.6%. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology ward had the highest prevalence of POI (61.7%). Prevalence of POIs was highest (64.3%) among patients in the 0 - 10 years age group. Males (26.7%) were at a higher risk of developing POIs .There was a statistically significant difference between POI and participants’ age group (p`0.05). Peritonitis displayed the highest rate of POI (36.6%) while tubal ligation had the lowest (0%). Purulent wound discharge was the most frequent diagnostic criteria for postoperative infection.

Keywords:

Infection, Surgery, Postoperative period.