FATORES ASSOCIADOS À INFECÇÃO DE SÍTIO CIRÚRGICO EM MULHERES PÓS-CESÁREA

Abstract

Puerperal Infection (PI) is a healthcare-associated condition that affects the uterus and genital structures following childbirth, representing a significant public health issue in both developed and developing countries. In Brazil, it presents a high prevalence. This study aimed to analyze data related to surgical site infections in postpartum women, identify contributing factors to the development of post-cesarean PI, and describe preventive protocols reported in the literature. This is an integrative review conducted between 2024 and 2025 through searches in the SCIELO, BVS, and PubMed databases, using the controlled descriptors: “Postpartum Period AND Surgical Wound Infection AND Cesarean Section” Inclusion criteria comprised studies involving human subjects, published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, with full texts available between 2020 and 2025. Exclusion criteria included duplicate publications, non-indexed academic works, legal documents, and technical reports unrelated to the research theme. The final sample consisted of six articles. The findings indicate a high prevalence of post-cesarean PI (ranging from 4% to 19%), particularly in developing countries. The main risk factors identified were advanced maternal age, previous vaginal infections, obesity, chronic diseases, and emergency cesarean sections. Most cases occur after hospital discharge. Effective preventive measures include preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, appropriate skin preparation, and combined interventions. There is a lack of clinical trials addressing specific approaches. Keywords: Postpartum period. Surgical wound infection. Cesarean section