Retrospective Analysis of the Relationship Between Anaesthesia Duration and Postoperative Infection Rate

Abstract

Background: Anaesthesia duration increases the risk of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and other postoperative problems. Prolonged anaesthesia, which may promote immunosuppression and infection, complicates perioperative care and recovery.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 100 patients who underwent various surgeries were examined to evaluate if anaesthesia duration affected post-op infections. Clinical documentation identified postoperative infections as SSIs, UTIs, or pneumonia and recorded anaesthesia duration in minutes. Demographics, surgical aspects, and infection rates were described using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between infection outcomes and anaesthesia length (categorised into intervals).

Results: The descriptive analysis identified a group of 55-year-olds (SD ± 10), 60% male, with a mean BMI of 28 (SD ± 4). Most surgeries were orthopaedic (40%), abdominal (30%), and cardiothoracic (20%). The average operating time was 180 minutes (SD ± 30). Twenty patients (10%) developed SSIs, six UTIs, and four pneumonia episodes after surgery. According to logistic regression, anaesthesia durations beyond 180 minutes were associated with greater infection rates than shorter durations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Anaesthesia lasting over 180 minutes increased the risk of SSIs, UTIs, and pneumonia. Focusing on limiting anaesthesia exposure without affecting surgical ability is very important. Based on these results, personalised medical treatments could help patients do better and lower their risk of getting infections.