ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS IN CATTLE UNDERGOING ENTERECTOMIES

Abstract

Post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs) have a detrimental impact on patient mortality, morbidity, and medical expenses. Large ruminants' post-operative SSIs have not been examined in any studies. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine various risk factors responsible for causing surgical site infections (SSIs) in cattle having enterectomies. The present study was conducted in cattle (n=30) suffering from intussusceptions and underwent laparo-enterectomies to evaluate rate of SSIs and the risk variables that cause these SSIs. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative parameters were noted, and each case was monitored for 35 days following discharge on alternate days for the diagnosis of SSIs. These parameters were then compared between cattle that developed SSIs and the cattle that did not develop SSIs. The overall rate of SSIs in laparo-enterectomies was 40% (12/30). Increased days of illness (6.42 ± 0.48 days), increased age (3.13 ± 0.29 years), hypoalbuminemia (2.53 ± 0.08 g/dl), ineffective scrubbing (n=3), increased TLC level (24236 ± 2206.7/mm³), and increased PCV (41.64 ± 1.38%) were associated with a higher risk for SSIs in the preoperative period in cattle. Intra-operative risk factors were intra-operative contamination (n=1), increased mean duration of procedure (117.33 ± 2.53 minutes), increased blood loss (540.83 ± 56.10 ml), use of subcutaneous sutures and operation by students with less level of experience. Post-operative risk factors were more than 2 days hospital stay (n=6), dehiscence of subcutaneous suture material (n=9), severe hypoalbuminemia (<2.5 g/dl, n=9) and anemia (<8 g/dl, n=7) at post-operative days. In conclusion, cattle with Intussusception belong to ASA-4 physical status and require emergency laparo-enterectomy, which is a clean contaminated surgery and possess a high risk of post-operative infections. Early identification and successful management of the risk factors like pre and post operative hypoalbuminemia, anaemia, increased TLC and PCV values, intra operative blood loss, increased duration of surgery and use of subcutaneous sutures can lessen the complication rate in the post-operative period.