DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i02.074

Pages: 772-778

Background: Neurosurgical procedures carry a significant risk of postoperative skin infections and wound complications, which can markedly increase patient morbidity, hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Early identification of the causative organisms, predisposing risk factors, and effective management strategies is essential for improving clinical outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence, clinical profile, bacteriological spectrum, and predisposing risk factors of skin infections and wound complications in patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures at the Department of Dermatology, Mallareddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, from March 2019 to December 2019. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 30 patients who developed postoperative skin infections or wound complications following various neurosurgical procedures. Clinical, microbiological, and demographic data were recorded and analysed using standard descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Surgical site infection (SSI) was the most common complication (40%), followed by cellulitis (20%) and wound dehiscence (16.7%). Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the predominant organism (26.7%). Diabetes mellitus (p=0.003) and re-operation (p=0.02) were identified as significant risk factors. Conclusion: Skin infections following neurosurgical procedures are common and potentially life-threatening. Targeted microbiological surveillance, strict aseptic protocols, and optimal management of systemic risk factors are critical to reducing wound-related morbidity in neurosurgical patients.