Morbidity and risk factors for surgical site infection following cesarean section in Guangdong Province, China

Aim: To estimate the incidence of and identify the risk factors for a surgical site infection after a cesarean section. Method: A survey of women who underwent a cesarean section was conducted in eight hospitals in Guangdong Province, China. The rate of surgical site infectionwas estimated and a nested case control studywas then carried out to identify the risk factors. Results: Among 13 798 women surveyed, 96 (0.7%) developed a surgical site infection after a cesarean section. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified six factors independently associated with an increased risk of surgical site infection, which included obesity, premature rupture of membranes, lower preoperative hemoglobin, prolonged surgery, lack of prophylactic antibiotics and excessive anal examinations performed during hospitalization. Conclusion: Surgical site infection occurs in approximately 0.7% of cesarean section cases in the general obstetric population in China. Obesity, premature rupture of membranes, lower preoperative hemoglobin, prolonged surgery, lack of prophylactic antibiotics and excessive anal examinations during hospitalization are considered to be independent risk factors.