Reducing Surgical Site Infecton in Cesarean Sections
For many women giving birth is connected with joyful anticipation. Yet, it also carries certain risks, especially when doctors need to perform a caesarean-section.
Globally, an increasing number of c-sections are performed. While the procedure has often saved the life of mother and child, it also carries certain health risks, such as post-c-section wound infections.
Wound infections range among the most common hospital-acquired infections worldwide [1].
schülke would like to share some insights around caesarean birth and how to avoid post-c-section wound infections.
What are possible causes for C-Section wound infections?
Certain factors drive the likelihood of developing a post-c-section SSI, among them are:
- maternal obesity
- hypertensive disorders
- smoking
- multiple vaginal examinations prior to giving birth
- an emergency c-section
- giving birth in a lower income country – which is one of the greatest risk factors [2,3,4].
The number of women experiencing a post-c-section SSI is likely to increase globally, mainly due to the overall rising number of c-sections in recent and coming years [2,5,6].
How to avoid a C-Section wound infection
Effective infection prevention strategies need to be implemented in hospitals to minimize post-c-section SSIs [2,7].
A recent initiative in 6 hospitals in the West England region aims to reduce post-c-section SSIs by implementing an effective infection prevention bundle based on WHO and NICE recommendations [1,8].
This bundle consists of
- alcoholic skin preparation
- the use of a dual ring wound protector for mothers with a BMI > 45
- repeated doses of antibiotics in case of excess blood loss
- and antibacterial suture [9].
Yet, mothers should not only rely on the hospitals to take action, there are some things that they can do themselves to minimize the risk of any post-c-section surgical site infection.
Prior to c-section:
- Shower with soap and water before you come to hospital.
- Do not shave the area of the procedure with a razor up to 24 hours before your delivery, as this increases the risk of an infection.
- Keep yourself warm before and after your arrival in the hospital.
After your c-section:
- Shower as soon as you feel able to, but don’t use soap or other hygiene products on your wound.
- Always wash your hands before touching the wound.
- If your stomach covers your wound, lift it gently and wash the area with clear water.
- Dry the wound by gently patting it with a clean towel – don’t rub it.
- Wear loose fitting, high waisted underwear to prevent pressure on the wound.