ورقة علمية / Research Paper

Background Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is one of the most common postoperative complications, accounting for a significant proportion of hospital-acquired infections globally. It increases patient morbidity, prolongs hospitalization, and raises healthcare costs. Multiple factors influence SSI risk, including wound classification, patient comorbidities, antibiotic use, and the duration of surgery. Prolonged operative time may increase infection risk due to extended tissue exposure, bacterial contamination, and impaired tissue perfusion. However, there is limited data in Sudan regarding how operative duration specifically impacts SSI rates in different surgical procedures. Problem Statement Despite adherence to aseptic protocols and prophylactic antibiotics, SSIs remain a major problem in Sudanese surgical wards. There is insufficient evidence on whether longer surgical durations contribute significantly to infection risk under local resource-limited conditions. This gap limits the ability to establish evidence-based intraoperative time thresholds to minimize infections. Justification Determining the relationship between operative time and SSI occurrence will help guide surgeons and operating teams in improving intraoperative efficiency, scheduling, and infection control. Findings could inform local surgical audit systems and hospital infection prevention policies, contributing to better patient outcomes and resource utilization. General Objective To determine the association between duration of surgery and postoperative surgical site infection among patients undergoing surgery at [Hospital Name] in 2025. Specific Objectives 1. To determine the prevalence of surgical site infection among postoperative patients. 2. To determine the average duration of surgeries performed. 3. To assess the association between duration of surgery and postoperative surgical site infection. 4. To identify other risk factors associated with surgical site infection. Methodology • Study Design: Hospital-based cross-sectional study. • Study Area and Period: Northern Sudan • Study Population: All patients who underwent clean or clean-contaminated surgical procedures during the study period. • Inclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery who consent to participate. • Exclusion Criteria: Patients with pre-existing infection or incomplete records. • Sample Size: Calculated using a single-proportion formula based on previous SSI prevalence. • Data Collection: Structured data collection form reviewing operative notes and postoperative follow-up for SSI signs within 30 days. • Variables: o Independent: Duration of surgery (in minutes/hours). o Dependent: Presence of SSI (yes/no). o Confounders: Age, diabetes, wound class, antibiotic prophylaxis, type of surgery. • Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test and logistic regression will assess associations; p-value <0.05 considered significant.

Written informed consent will be obtained from all eligible participants after explaining the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study in clear and simple language.

• Improved identification of patients at higher risk of surgical site infection. • Potential reduction in postoperative complications through better surgical planning and time management. • Better overall quality of surgical care and improved postoperative outcomes.