A review of post-caesarean infectious morbidity: how to prevent and treat

Abstract

Post-caesarean infectious complications result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality as well as increased readmissions and increased health care cost worldwide. This review provides a discussion of several risk factors that have been identified which predispose women to post-surgical infection. We also provide an overview of strategies for infection prevention including antibiotics, surgical techniques and negative pressure wound therapy. Criteria for diagnosis of wound infection are provided, as well as appropriate treatment regimens. Given the impact of maternal post caesarean infection, it is important for women's health care providers to understand how to prevent these infections, as well as recognise and treat them.

Risk Factors for Wound Infection Following Caesarean Section: A Case Control Study from Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…Patients with preexisting illnesses like diabetes mellitus, or malnutrition were more prone to infection. Hypertension, preexisting or pregnancy induced, and other co-morbid states have been associated with SSI [30]. We did not find a significant difference in SSIs between our patients with or without diabetes mellitus.…”

Surgical Site Infection After Cesarean Section in Ukraine: Results a Multicenter Study

“…Postpartum SSI after CSEC is a major cause of long hospital stays and there is an increased cost burden on the public healthcare systems as well as to mothers and their families [6,7]. These infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality [8,9] in women. Over the past two decades, along with significant improvements in clinical obstetric care in many countries, the incidence rate of SSIs after CSEC remains an important issue.…”

Surgical Site Infection in Cesarean Section Operation: Risk and Management

“…SSI is the infection that occurs in the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the incision site and can occur within 30 days after the procedure 13 . The rate of infection varies according to the patient's risk factors, team ability and hospital infrastructure 5 .…”