Incidence and Time Trend of Surgical Site Infection in Ramathibodi Hospital during the Years 2003-2005
Pranee Kehachindawat BSc, MSW*, Kumthorn Malathum MD*, Kanokwan Boonsaeng BSc**, Nicha Siripornpinyo BSc, MA**, Pienjit Bhumisirikul BSc, MNS**, Jinnapak Kolkalkul BSc**, Panuwat Lertsithichai MD***
Affiliation : * Infection Control Committee, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Medical School, Mahidol University ** Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Medical School, Mahidol University *** Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Medical School, Mahidol University
Objective : To determine the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) for high-risk surgical procedures and
any changes in the incidence of SSI during the years 2003 to 2005.
Materials and Methods : SSI surveillance data were obtained from Ramathobodi’s Infection Control Committee
for analysis.
Results : The overall 30-day incidence of SSI for 492 hepato-biliary-pancreas and colon procedures was 7.7%
(38 of 492). Of the 38 SSIs, only 35 were analyzed in detail. Most patients had SSI types I and II, 89% of SSIs
were detected within 20 days after operation, and most common organisms isolated were enterococcus species,
E.coli, and P. aeruginosa. SSI rate for the year 2005 (11%) was significantly higher than that of the preceding
years (4-5%).
Conclusion : Overall, SSI rates for Ramathibodi Hospital were not significantly different from those of other
studies. The increased SSI rate for the year 2005 needed an explanation, but the value of the present report lies
in the potential usefulness of the presented results for future prevention of SSIs.
Keywords : Incidence, Surgical site infection
