RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SURGICAL SITE INFECTION AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING OPEN APPENDECTOMY FOR COMPLICATED APPENDICITIS IN A TERTIARY PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL ahdcevangelista@gmail.com

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RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SURGICAL SITE INFECTION AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING OPEN APPENDECTOMY FOR COMPLICATED APPENDICITIS IN A TERTIARY PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL

3

Philippines

Oral or Poster

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a prevalent postoperative complication following appendectomy, particularly in complicated cases. In the Philippines, where appendectomy is among the most frequently performed emergency surgeries, local data on SSI-associated risk factors are scarce.

A retrospective, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines. Records of 190 randomly selected patients who underwent open appendectomy for acute appendicitis from January to December 2024 were reviewed. Clinico-demographic profiles and intraoperative variables were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of SSI within 30 days post-surgery.

SSI occurred in 15 patients (7.9%), all of whom had complicated appendicitis. Significant risk factors for SSI included operative duration >1 hour (OR 0.266, p=0.020), ASA classification II or lower (OR 0.096, p<0.001), normal BMI (OR 0.021, p=0.003), delay >12 hours before surgery (OR 0.085, p<0.001), use of Rocky Davis incision (OR 0.063, p<0.001), non-absorbable suture material (OR 0.068, p<0.001), and surgery performed by junior residents (OR 0.103, p<0.001). All patients received preoperative antibiotics, predominantly a second-generation cephalosporin (Cefoxitin).

This study identifies key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for SSI in patients undergoing appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. Optimizing timing, technique, and surgeon experience, alongside stratified perioperative care, may significantly reduce SSI rates. Findings support revision of institutional protocols to enhance surgical outcomes in resource-limited settings.