title: Infectious complications following abdominal hysterectomy in Karachi, Pakistan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this paper we studied the prevalence of post-operative infections after total abdominal hysterectomy in Karachi, Pakistan and their associated risk factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was conducted by reviewing the case notes of 827 consecutive total abdominal hysterectomies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The post-operative infection rate was 22%. Of the patients, 6% (49) developed operative site infections including wound and vaginal cuff infections and pelvic abscesses while 16% (133) developed non-operative site infections including urinary tract infections and thrombophlebitis. Six risk factors were found to be significantly associated with post-operative infections: a pre-operative hospitalization of more than 2 days (P<0.02); additional non-gynecological procedures performed intra-operatively (P<0.02); indwelling catheterization for more than 7 days (P<0.001); patient's age greater than 50 years (P<0.02); an underlying malignancy (P<0.0001); and developing a hematoma post-operatively (P<0.04).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study may serve as a baseline for future comparison and indicate interventions which may contribute to a reduction in the post-operative infection rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wasti
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods*; D002437:Cefazolin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods; D007813:Laparotomy; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D008795:Metronidazole; D002437:Cefazolin