Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part C (2019)

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common and serious postoperative complications following colorectal surgery, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and healthcare costs. The role of probiotics in reducing SSIs has gained interest, but data from the Indian setting remain limited.

Aim: To determine the burden of elective colorectal surgeries in a tertiary care hospital, calculate the incidence of SSIs, and identify factors affecting their occurrence.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 130 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Patient demographics, clinical parameters, surgical details, and postoperative complications were recorded. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSIs; secondary outcomes included other surgical complications and associated risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall complication rate was 26.1%, with SSIs observed in 16.9% of patients—72.7% were superficial incisional, and 27.3% were deep or organ-space infections. Other complications included urinary tract infections (2.3%), pneumonia (2.3%), anastomotic leaks (3.3% among 90 anastomosis cases), and mortality (2.3%). Factors such as age, comorbidities, and operative duration were associated with increased complication rates.

Conclusion: Elective colorectal surgeries carry a substantial risk of SSIs and other complications. Strengthening perioperative care, optimizing infection control, and exploring adjunctive measures like probiotics may help reduce complication rates and improve outcomes in this population.