AbstractCaesarean section is one of the commonest surgery in obstetrics which is done to facilitate delivery in cases where vaginal delivery is either not feasible or poses undue risk to mother, baby or both [1]. Surgical site infections (SSI) following caesarean delivery is a major cause of maternal morbidity & mortality, increasing both the duration of patient hospitalization and hospital cost [1114]. Objective: To assess the incidence of caesarean wound complications and to study the risk factors/comorbid factors. Method: This prospective study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynec department, SMIMER from April 2015 to September 2016 with follow up of patient for subsequent 1 month. Total 2377 patients of both elective & emergency LSCS were included in the study. Observation: During the study period, total 10407 deliveries were conducted out of which 8070 (77.16%) were vaginal deliveries and 2377(22.84%) were caesarean sections. Out of 2377 patients, 75(3.16%) patients developed wound complications which were categorized as induration, serous discharge, superficial wound infection (skin gape), deep wound infection (subcutaneous gape) and hematoma. Prolonged operative time, multiple vaginal examinations, anemia, PIH & DM were some of the associated risk factors. Conclusion: Caesarean section is one of the commonest surgeries performed in obstetrics, both as emergency as well as elective. Wound complications in LSCS increases post operative maternal morbidity, thus leading to prolonged hospital stay thus imposing financial burden on both patient and society in general. Protocols need to be designed & followed to reduce these post operative wound complications.
Keywords: LSCS; Wound Complications; SSI.