OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors and the current actual incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following a cesarean delivery in te Philippine General Hospital.

METHODS: In a case-control study, 729 patients admitted at PGH's post-partum clinic, emergency room and obstetrical wards, from November 2007- May 200, were interviewed using a data sheet from that included mother's age, gravidity and parity, body mass index, smoking history, steroid and illicit drug use, previous surgeries, co-morbidities and questions on personal hygiene, as part of the ongoing infection surveillance. Operation-related and obstetric-related variables were documented through review of medical records. Definitions of the Centers of Disease Control of surgical site infection were used.

RESULTS: Thirteen percent of patients developed SSI among 713 patients recruited in the study. Although univariate analysis of risk factors did not show statistically significant results, steroid use , smoking and illicit drug use, previous surgery, anemia prior to operation, longer duration of labor and rupture of membranes and longer duration of operation appear to predispose patients to surgical site infections after cesarean section. The incidence of SSI was significantly lower in patients with hypertensive complications.