Strict infection control policies needed in UAE operating rooms to prevent surgical site infections from caesarean sections

Caesarean Section (C-section) is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in hospitals in the UAE and is classified as a high-risk operation. Surgical site infections post C-section significantly increases maternal morbidity and prolongs hospital stays. A study conducted at Al Rahba Hospital in Abu Dhabi reveals the medical and economic impact of surgical site infections on patients and healthcare providers.

Dr Nellie Boma, Chief Medical Officer at Al Rahba Hospital, Abu Dhabi will be speaking  about prevention of post C-section surgical site infection prevention at the upcoming Patient Safety Middle East Exhibition & Conferences taking place from 16-18 September 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, UAE.

According to Dr Boma, “In my opinion, the surgical site infection in C-section is the most frequent cause for women to contract infections in the operating room in the UAE. In order to prevent or limit infection post C-section, strict infection control policies must be implemented in the operating room.”

A retrospective analysis was conducted in 2010 at Al Rahba Hospital to identify post C-section (338 cases) surgical site infections (3/100 cases). As a result, a multidisciplinary team was put together to address the surgical site infection rates at Al Rahba. A root cause analysis was done and multiple interventions were adopted including the adaptation of the surgical sit infection bundle care approach, the implementation of the WHO surgical safety checklist of 2010, as well as staff education and patient education.

Another cross-sectional study conducted from 2001 to 2012 in Nizwa Hospital, Oman, was carried out to determine the incidence of post C-section infections. Data was collected on C-section type, risk factors, demographic profile, type of organism, drug sensitivity and date of infection from 7,923 patients. In conclusion, the rate of caesarean section wound infections was 2.66%. Obesity, diabetes, prolonged labour with Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) and wound haematoma were the main contributory risk factors responsible for post C-section wound infections.

“In order to prevent infections, the surgical staff in the UAE must observe and implement the following patient safety procedures for all patients undergoing Caesarean sections in order to prevent surgical site infections. They must carry out a pre-operative wash on the patient, antibiotic prophylaxis as per policy in place, pre- and post-operative glucose control, dressing changed as per protocol (within 24-48 hours), and site hair removal using clipper if necessary,” concluded Dr Boma.