Prospective study of implementation of active surveillance post-cesarean surgical-wound infection in an University Hospital in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2010 to 2011

Objective: to evaluate the implementation of active surveillance post-discharge of Cesarean Surgical-Wound Infections(SWI) at Otto Cirne Maternity, Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: prospective observational study conducted from March 2010-2011; data was obtained by active surveillance performed by the Hospital Infection Control Committee, including telephone call followed by clinical evaluation when necessary; notification was performed according to National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. Results: 762 patients who underwent cesarean section (29.3%) were identified and 500 women were contacted; 7 SWI were notified by passive surveillance (0.9%) and 34 by active surveillance (6.8%), with a significant increase on identified cases (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: notification of number of cases of SWI post-cesarean section by active surveillance emphasizes the need to identify cases of surgical-wound infection to reduce underreporting, referring to postpartum care when necessary for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.