Surgical site infections (SSIs) have been recognized as one of the most common and preventable complications that occur post abdominal surgery. These are influenced by a variety of factors, including the individual patient’s health, the procedural details, as well as larger systemic considerations. The COVID-19 pandemic enforced new regulations and procedures such as universal masking, visitor restrictions, increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and modified protocols in the operating room, which collectively could have potentially impacted the dynamics of infection. This article reviews the findings of a retrospective cohort study carried out at a prominent tertiary centre in Saudi Arabia, to understand whether these changes have affected the risk and timing of SSIs.
The study reviewed 809 adult cases of abdominal surgeries carried out between January 2019 and December 2022. Data for these cases were sourced from the hospital’s electronic health record system and were examined by two independent reviewers, adhering to strict confidentiality protocols. The parameters for defining SSIs were in line with the criteria set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A multivariable logistic regression was employed to recognize independent predictors, and Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate infection-free survival and time to event outcomes.
The results showed that 47 of the 809 patients developed SSIs, accounting for a 5.8% rate which aligns with international averages. Independent predictors pointing towards an increased SSI risk included diabetes, contaminated wound sites, and postoperative hyperglycemia (blood sugar levels exceeding 7mmol/L). An interesting observation made during the pandemic was the delayed onset on infections in the postoperative course, suggesting changes in timing which also plays a vital role in infection control strategies. These findings stress the importance of extended postoperative surveillance and specific infection control strategies, particularly during public health emergencies.
As the pandemic brought about necessary changes to healthcare protocols, understanding its impact on SSIs provides valuable information on how future public health emergencies can be managed in a surgical setup. These findings can guide infection prevention professionals by providing an understanding of how operative protocols can affect postoperative outcomes such as SSIs.
Source: https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-025-12115-7