Risk factors for surgical site infections

İntroduction and aim: Nosocomial infections described as infections that not exist when the patient interned, occur 48-72 hours after hospitalization, often progress due to iatrogenic invasive operations, and cause significant mortalityand morbidity. Nosocomial infections cause longer hospitalization and serious soscioeconomic considerations. Surgical site infections (SSI) constitute significant part of nosocomial infections. In our study, we aim to detect and define risk factors for surgical site infections in our surgery clinic.Patients and method: Between May 2008-November 2008 except breast, thyroid and laparascopic operations successive 422 patients included for surgical site infections and risk factors. Preoperative risk factors are defined, patients are controlled by responsible physician3., 7, 30. days postoperatively. Surgical site infections described as incisitional and organ/space according to NNIS data.Findings: Patients were 37.9 % (160 patients) female and 62.1%(262 patients) male. Surgical site infections developed 64 of total 422 patients. 17 female and 47 male patients developed SSI. Diabetes mellitus and malignity were risk factors for SSI occurrence( P < 0,05 ). Overall postoperative incidence for SSı was 15.1%. Extent of contamination, period of hospitalization were significant parameters for SSı development. SSı was more common between patients whose ASA score ? 3.Discussion: Sex, diabetes mellitus, malignity, extent of contamination, an ASA score below than 3, preoperative skin preparation, length of ICU stay, length of hospitalization, positive wound cultures, operation time, and length of incisition were risk factors for SSI. Especially, extent of contamination, length of ICU stay, length of hospitalization, and positive wound cultures strong determinants for SSI development. With help of these data, predictible factors can be eliminated to prevent SSI development.