Closure versus non closure of the subcutaneous tissue after cesarean section in obese patients (Comparative study of surgical site infection & postoperative complications)

Abstract

Caesarean section is one of the most commonly performed abdominal operations on women in most countries of the world. Its rate has increased markedly in recent years, and is about 20-25% of all child births in most developed countries (Menacher et al., 2009). In contemporary Obstetrics the cesarean section rate is increasing and has become a common procedure (Bergella et al., 2005). The rate of cesarean section has risen to a level near to 46% in China, Europe, Latin America and United States. Surgical site infection (SSI) after a cesarean section increases maternal morbidity and medical costs (Alderice et al., 2005). The rates in other parts of the world vary widely from 1.6% of all child births in Haiti to 59% in Chilean private hospitals (Belizan et al., 2009). A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. SSI can sometimes be superficial infections involving the skin only. Other surgical site infections are more serious and can involve tissues under the skin, organs, or implanted material (CDC HAI, 2008) SSI has a great impact on the economy aid health care resources. Infection has always been a feature of modern surgery and continues to be a significant problem for health care practitioners across the world (Gala and El-Hindawy, 2011).