Is Postoperative Albumin Level Related with Surgical Site Infection?

Purpose: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) associated with increased mortality, length of hospital stay, and cost of hospitalization. The aim of this study was to identify the value of albumin as an indicator of the nutritional status, postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) levels in predicting an outbreak of SSI and SSI-related epidemiology after colorectal surgery and identifying the risk factors for SSI. Materials and Methods: A total of 198 patients, who underwent colorectal surgery from September 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, were included in the study. The patient identity, operation characteristics, and SSI data were analyzed retrospectively by a chart review and national SSI reporting sheet. The relationship of the SSI and clinical data was analyzed statistically, and the SSI detection time and post-operative inflammatory laboratory findings were analyzed individually using cumulative incidence analysis and cause-specific hazard model. Results: The incidence of SSI post colorectal surgery was 15.7% (31 out of 198 cases). Chronic renal failure (CRF), open surgery, long operation time, and stoma were identified as significant risk factors for SSI using univariate analysis. The CRF, long operation time, and stoma were significant risk factors according to multivariate analysis. The decrease in albumin on post-operative day (POD)#3 and CRP elevation on POD#4 were related to the early detection of SSI. Conclusion: The actual incidence of SSI might be higher than expected, particularly in cases where patients have several clinical and operative factors. In addition, the albumin level and multiple postoperative inflammation tests can be employed as an early predictors of SSI. (Surg Metab Nutr 2018;9:59-67)