ABSTRACT
Objective: In urological operations, many endourological procedures and pre-existing urinary tract infections may cause surgical complications. It is essential to identify the risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) and determine additional influences. Patients and Methods: In the present retrospective investigation, a total of 324 patients who underwent open urological surgery between January 2003 and December 2007 at Anjo-Kosei Hospital were assessed for SSI along with possible associated factors. Results: Forty-four cases (13.6%) proved positive for SSIs during the surveillance period. Among these, 31 demonstrated incisional SSI and 13 demonstrated deep/organ space SSI. Greater age and body mass index, low preoperative haemoglobin levels, long preoperative hospital stay, prolonged operation time and increased blood loss during surgery were all positively associated with SSI in general. For the deep/organ space SSI cases, advanced age, low preoperative haemoglobin levels, long preoperative hospital stay and prolonged operation time were significant factors. Conclusion: This study identified several independent predictors of SSI in general, as well as deep/organ space infection, for urological open surgery at our hospital. The results provided a basis for urologists to decrease the incidence of urological SSI.