Surgical site infections and cellulitis after abdominal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES

To identify risk factors for and outcomes of surgical site infections and cellulitis after abdominal hysterectomies.

STUDY DESIGN

We used logistic regression analysis to analyze data from a case-control study of 1104 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies at a university hospital between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 30, 2010.

RESULTS

Factors significantly associated with surgical site infections and with cellulitis were: pulmonary disease, operations done in Main Operating Room East, and seroma. Body mass index >35, no private insurance, and fluid and electrolyte disorders were risk factors for surgical site infections. The mean prophylactic dose of cefazolin was significantly higher for controls than for patients with surgical site infections. Preoperative showers with Hibiclens (Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC, Norcross, GA) and cefazolin prophylaxis were associated with a significantly decreased cellulitis risk. Surgical site infections and cellulitis were significantly associated with readmissions and return visits and surgical site infections were associated with reoperations.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative showers, antimicrobial prophylaxis, surgical techniques preventing seromas, and the operating room environment may affect the risk of surgical site infections and cellulitis after abdominal hysterectomies.