(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Fazeena Saleem
|
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: In a recent study published in the June edition of the Journal of Emergency Medicine, Trauma and Acute Care, researchers have identified significant risk factors contributing to surgical site infections (SSIs) after appendectomies performed in Qatar. SSIs are a known patient safety concern, impacting healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.
The first of its kind study“Risk factors for surgical site infection: An observational study in appendectomies performed in a community hospital in Qatar,” is an observational study spanned from January 2013 to February 2023.
It has analyzed 2,377 cases of appendectomies, among which 52 cases developed SSIs. The majority of affected patients were male (93.3%), with an average age of 32.4 years, and predominantly diagnosed with non-complicated appendicitis (66.7%).
Data on patient demographics, surgical procedures, adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis, and histopathological findings were extracted from the electronic medical records of the patients involved in the study.
The study represents a significant step forward in understanding and addressing SSIs in appendectomies, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers striving to optimize patient care and safety in Qatar's medical landscape.
Key findings from the study pinpointed several factors significantly associated with increased SSI risk. Notably, patients undergoing appendectomies for perforated appendicitis faced a 3.86 times higher risk of developing SSIs compared to those with other appendicitis types. Procedures lasting longer than 81 minutes showed a 4.84 times higher risk, highlighting prolonged surgical duration as a critical factor. Moreover, improper timing of antibiotic prophylaxis increased the risk by 5.97 times, while improper selection of antibiotics was associated with a staggering 9.08 times higher risk of SSIs.
Appendectomies are among the most common emergency surgeries globally, yet they pose inherent risks of SSIs, particularly in cases of open surgery and complicated appendicitis. Previous global reports have indicated SSIs in up to 17.9% of appendectomy cases, with variability influenced by surgical technique and patient demographics.
The study authors have concluded that it“identifies the risk factors linked to SSI risk, including perforated appendectomies, longer surgical procedures, and improper timing and selection of antibiotic prophylaxis.
The infection control program should focus on interventions to improve compliance with antibiotic prophylaxis and evaluate additional strategies to minimize the SSI risk in complicated appendicitis.”
The study's findings are crucial for healthcare providers in Qatar, where appendectomies are predominantly performed laparoscopically at facilities like Hamad Medical Corporation. The research underscores the necessity for ongoing surveillance and interventions aimed at minimizing SSIs, thereby enhancing patient safety and healthcare efficiency.
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