Complete blood count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as predictors of surgical site infection after hysterectomy

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSI) represent a significant burden concerning morbidity, mortality and additional cost to health system. For these reasons, the prevention of SSI is important. In this study, the potential relationship between preoperative blood count parameters and SSI after hysterectomy was investigated. A total of 270 patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with postoperative superficial SSI were compared to those without postoperative infectious complication. Patients’ age, BMI, comorbidity, preoperative serum hemoglobin and albumin levels, use of an immunsupressive medication and rate of current smoker were similar between groups. Patients with SSI had significantly elevated levels of neutrophil, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and decreased levels of lymphocyte compared to those without SSI. Serum platelet level did not differ between groups. Based on these data, one may suggest using preoperative high neutrophil and NLR levels and low lymphocyte levels as predictors of SSI after hysterectomy.