Surgical Site Infection after Emergency versus Elective Cesarean Section: A Comparison in Low-Risk Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) in emergency versus elective caesarean section.
Methodology: This case series study was conducted at department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, DHQ Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from January 2025 to June 2025. Women undergoing caesarean section aged 20-40 years,
gestational age >37 weeks and with singleton pregnancy were included. Total three doses of same 3 rd generation cephlosporins were given to all the patients. Patients were followed up 48 hours after caesarean section for surgical site infection. Data collection was done by study proforma and analysis was done by using SPSS version 26.
Results: Mean age of the patients was 27.27±3.28 years with 20-30 years aged group being most common. Mean gestational age was 38.28±0.91 weeks. Emergency C-sections were performed in 139 patients (65.3%) while elective C-sections in 74 patients (34.7%). Overall SSI was developed in 21 patients (9.9%). The SSI was significantly more common after emergency C-sections (18/139, 12.9%) compared to elective C-sections (3/74, 4.1%), (p=0.038).
Conclusion: SSI remains a notable complication of C-section, with more frequent in emergency procedures compared to elective procedures, signifying the influence of surgical urgency and linked risk factors on wound healing and postoperative recovery.
Key words: C- section, Elective, Emergency, SSI.