Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and institutional burden. Sterilization of surgical instruments plays a pivotal role in infection control, particularly in high‐volume general surgery units. To evaluate the impact of two commonly used sterilization methods steam‐based autoclaving and chemical vapor exposure via formalin chambers on SSI rates, microbial profiles, and clinical outcomes. A total of 114 surgical cases were analyzed, with 60 procedures using autoclaved instruments and 54 using formalin‐sterilized instruments. SSI incidence, microbial isolates, hospital stay duration, and re‐intervention rates were compared across groups.The autoclave group showed a significantly lower SSI rate (6.7%) compared to the formalin group (20.4%). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were predominant in the autoclave group, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were more frequent in the formalin group. Patients in the formalin group experienced longer hospital stays and higher re‐intervention rates. Autoclave sterilization demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing SSIs and improving postoperative outcomes. Formalin chamber practices, while accessible, showed limitations in microbial control and clinical reliability. Institutional protocols should prioritize stea
How to cite this article:
Sandip Kumar and Rashmi Prasad. Comparative Evaluation of Autoclave and Formalin Chamber Sterilization Practices on Surgical Site Infection Rates in a General Surgery Unit.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjms.2010.366.370
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/makrjms.2010.366.370