Somayeh Ghasemzadeh - Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran
Tahereh Behrouzi-lak - Urmia University of Medical Science, Urmia, Iran

Background and Aim : Cesarean Section (CS) is one of the most commonly performed surgicalprocedures in Iran’s obstetrical and gynecological department and its prevalence is increasing, accountingfor as much as 70% of the surgical workload. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are defined as infectionsoccurring up to 30 days after surgery and affecting either the incision or deep tissue at the operation site.SSIs after a CS increases maternal morbidity, prolongs hospitalization, increased hospital costs andavoidance of the baby which increases the complications. We undertook a systematic review with the aimof evaluation the risk factors for SSIs following CS.Methods : The resulting article was searched by reputable databases including Ovid, Elsevier, PubMed,Google scholar, from 1990 to 2019. 65 articles with entered keywords were found after summarizing22related articles. By reviewing these articles, case-control, and cohort studies were selected and reviewed.The total number of articles obtained at this stage was 12 articles.Results : From the total of 12 studies, it can be concluded that risk factors such as young age,chorioamnionitis, premature ruptured membrane > 6, operating time ≥38 min, anemia, body mass index(BMI) > 30, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia, emergency cesarean delivery, twindelivery, less than seven pre-natal visits and lack of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis were associated withincisional SSI.Conclusion : Among the variables identified as risk factors for SSI, Most risk factors are known beforedelivery, and some are potentially modifiable or removable. Antibiotic prophylaxis would benefit allcesarean patients regardless of active labor or ruptured membranes. Women’s healthcare professionals alsomust continue to encourage pregnant women to maintain scheduled visits and there must be clear andaccurate understanding of the current quality of care. Reduce and improve of SSI is related to multifactorialrather than one factor. Development and strict implementation of protocol by all the health careprofessionals could be effective to minimize and prevent the infection rate after caesarean section.

Surgical site infection, cesarean section, maternal mortality