Abstract
Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs at or near a surgical incision within 30 days of surgery or within 1 year if an implant is left in place. In low- and middle-income countries, SSI incidence may be approximately up to 4 times higher than in high-income countries. Proper choice of antibiotic is very important to prevent SSI.

Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted with objectives to know the incidence of SSI, to study the use of various antibiotics for the prevention of SSI, and to compare the data with standard guidelines.

Materials and Methods: An observational, prospective study was conducted after getting ethical clearance. All the patients, admitted in post-operative surgical wards, were enrolled in the study over the period of 2 months after getting informed consent. Data were collected from pre-formed Google questionnaire filled by the patients and indoor patients’ file evaluated further.

Results: Out of 198 enrolled patients, 192 patients were given antibiotics as single drug or in combination of two or three. Overall incidence of SSI was 7.57%. The highest incidence rate of SSI was reported in general surgery department, 12.69%. Cefazolin was prescribed as surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) in all the cases of general surgery. Out of 198, a total of 128 (64.64%) patients were given a single drug as prophylactic antibiotic. In total 124 patients, the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis was <24 h.

Conclusion: There should be a preparation of local guidelines, language, region, and microbial susceptibility specific, with the support of local surgical, anesthetists, obstetrics, and orthopedic groups for proper use of SAP to prevent SSI.

Key words: Surgical Site Infection; Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis; WHO Guidelines, Cefazolin