Post-Operative Wound Complications Following Elective Abdominal Surgeries: A Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Post-operative wound complications significantly contribute to surgical morbidity following abdominal procedures. This study aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, and short-term outcomes of wound complications following elective abdominal surgeries.

Methods: A prospective hospital-based study was conducted over 6 months including 80 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgeries. Data regarding demographic profile, comorbidities, wound classification, operative duration, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: The overall incidence of post-operative wound complications was 17.5% (14/80). Surgical site infection was the most common complication (64.3%), followed by seroma (21.4%). Diabetes mellitus (p=0.02), obesity (p=0.04), anemia (p=0.03), operative duration >2 hours (p=0.01), and clean-contaminated wound class (p=0.02) were significantly associated with complications. Patients with wound complications had significantly prolonged hospital stay (11.2 ± 3.4 days vs 6.1 ± 2.2 days; p<0.001). Secondary suturing was required in 21.4% of complicated cases.

Conclusion: Post-operative wound complications remain common after elective abdominal surgeries and are significantly associated with modifiable risk factors. Early identification and optimization of high-risk patients can reduce morbidity and healthcare burden.