Factors associated with surgical site infection in appendectomies in a regional hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsalud/e8963Keywords:
appendectomy, surgical site infection, diabetes mellitus, laparoscopy, hospital stayAbstract
Introduction. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Despite technical advances, Surgical Site Infection (SSI) remains a prevalent complication that increases morbidity, mortality, and costs. Objective. To determine the incidence and pre- and intraoperative risk factors associated with the development of SSI in patients undergoing appendectomy and to evaluate its impact on hospital stay. Materials and Method. A retrospective cohort observational study of 137 patients who underwent emergency surgery at the Regional Hospital of Ciudad del Este (2022-2025). Demographic variables, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension), surgical technique, and duration of the procedure were analyzed. Non-parametric statistics (Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact test) were employed with p < 0.05. Results. The overall incidence of SSI was 5,8% (n=8). Diabetes mellitus was clinically associated with a higher risk of infection (40% vs 4,5%; p = 0,061). The mean duration of surgery was longer in the infected group (84,5 vs 64,5 min; p = 0,068). No infections were recorded in the laparoscopic and mixed groups, compared to 8.3% in open surgery. SSI significantly prolonged hospital stays (median 4,0 vs 1,5 days; p < 0,001). Conclusion. SSI triples the hospital stay. While the overall incidence is acceptable, diabetes and prolonged surgical times emerge as critical risk factors that require strict monitoring. Laparoscopy proved to be a safe technique with a zero-infection rate in this cohort.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jackeline Michelle Fonseca da Costa Brasil, Ingrid Moura Bahia, Alanda Mary Oliveira Barbosa, Aline Maria Farias da Silva, Maria Eduarda dos Santos Alves Fonseca, Maria Luiza Sousa Simões, Jéssica Thaís Barcyscyn, Thainara Jordão Rezende, Otávio Augusto Pinheiro Batista, Henrique Marques Rodrigues, Beatriz Coelho Brito, Olinda María Higinia Gamarra Rojas
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