Frequency of Surgical Site Infection in Open and Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication following appendectomy and contribute to increased morbidity, extended hospital stay, and greater healthcare costs. Minimally invasive surgery has been associated with improved postoperative outcomes, yet comparative data from Pakistan remain limited. Objective: To determine and compare the frequency of surgical site infection following open versus laparoscopic appendectomy among adults treated at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, from March to May 2025. Adult patients aged 20–40 years undergoing open or laparoscopic appendectomy were enrolled consecutively. Demographics, clinical variables, and surgical details were recorded using a structured proforma. SSIs were assessed over 30 days using standardized diagnostic criteria. Associations were analysed using chi-square tests and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among 200 patients, the overall SSI rate was 7.0%. SSI occurred in 10.61% of open appendectomy cases and 5.22% of laparoscopic cases (OR 2.15, 95% CI 0.76–6.03; p=0.161). Unemployment showed a significant association with SSI (OR 3.65, p=0.011), while age, sex, BMI, diabetes, and symptom duration were not significant predictors. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy demonstrated a lower frequency of surgical site infection compared with open surgery, although the difference was not statistically significant. Socioeconomic factors may influence postoperative outcomes and merit consideration in infection-prevention strategies.