Comparison of Surgical Site Infection in Diabetic vs. non-diabetic Patients Operated Electively in the Surgical Unit of MTI-Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar

. Wajid; Naila  Gul; Hakeemullah  Khan; Muhammad  Asif; Umer  Faiz; Hanif Ullah; Sidra  Jabeen

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i1.1507

Authors

. Wajid Department of General Surgery MTI-Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan
Naila Gul Department of General Surgery MTI-Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan
Hakeemullah Khan Department of Vascular Surgery Combined Military Hospital Peshawar KPK, Pakistan
Muhammad Asif Department of General Medicine MTI-Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Umer Faiz Department of Surgery Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Hanif Ullah Department of Surgery Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital Swat, Pakistan
Sidra Jabeen Department of General Surgery MTI-Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i1.1507

Keywords:

Surgical Site Infection, Diabetes Mellitus, Elective Surgery, Comorbidities, Glycemic Control, Laparoscopic Surgery

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of postoperative morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Patients with diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of developing SSIs due to impaired immune responses and delayed wound healing. Understanding the impact of diabetes on SSIs in elective surgeries is crucial for improving perioperative care and patient outcomes. Objective: To compare the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) between diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing elective surgeries in a surgical unit and to evaluate associated factors influencing infection rates. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 70 patients aged 25 years and above, divided equally into two groups: 35 diabetic patients (Group A) and 35 non-diabetic patients (Group B). The patients underwent elective, open and laparoscopy surgeries with similar perioperative care protocols, including standardised antibiotic prophylaxis. SSIs were identified based on clinical criteria, including purulent discharge, erythema, swelling, fever, and elevated white blood cell counts. Patients were followed for 30 days postoperatively to record infection outcomes. Results: The incidence of SSIs was notably higher in diabetic patients, with 42.9% (n=15) developing infections, compared to 17.1% (n=6) in non-diabetic patients (p<0.05). Demographic characteristics, including age and BMI, were comparable between the two groups. Comorbidities such as obesity and hypertension were more prevalent in diabetic patients, potentially contributing to the increased risk of SSIs. Among the surgical approaches, laparoscopic procedures were more common in both groups, yet the infection rates remained disproportionately higher in the diabetic cohort. Conclusion: Diabetes is a significant independent risk factor for SSIs, even in elective surgical procedures. The findings underscore the need for optimised glycemic control, management of comorbid conditions, and stringent perioperative infection prevention measures to improve surgical outcomes in diabetic patients.

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