Evaluation of Postoperative Difficulties in Diabetic Patients Experiencing Abdominal Surgical procedure
1Dr Rafiullah, 2Qasim Raza, Tabassum Raza, 3Dr Tahmoor Shahzad, 4Nazneen Tabassum, 5Umar Tipu, 6Khurram Satti
1Assistant Professor Surgery, BMC/KGN MTI Bannu
2Gangaram Hospital Lahore
3Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.Karachi Medical and Dental college Karachi
4Holy Family Islamabad
5UHS Lahore
6Services Hospital Lahore
ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with diabetes frequently experience delayed healing of wounds, increased infection, and longer hospitalizations affecting surgical outcome, as well as increased health care burden. Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic illness that is associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications after abdominal surgery.
Objective: To determine the epidemiology of postoperative complications in diabetic patients following abdominal surgery, with a focus on both the incidence and types of these complications and associated risk factors affecting surgical outcomes.
Method: This was an observational study conducted in Tertiary Care Hospital with 90 diabetic patients undergoing different abdominal surgeries. The period of investigation ranged from August 2024 to April 2025. A comprehensive clinical including: demographics, type, duration of diabetes, glycemic control status, and postoperative data were obtained and analyzed. Complications like SSI, delayed wound healing, sepsis and duration of hospital stay was kept on follow- up of the patient.
Results: Of the 90 diabetic patients, 52 (57.8%) developed post-operative complications. Surgical site infection occurred in 28 (31.1%) patients, delayed wound healing in 15 (16.7%) patients, while 9 (10%) patients developed post-operative sepsis. It was observed that poor preoperative glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.5%) was strongly related to a higher complication rate (p < 0.05). Furthermore, longer diabetes duration and patients who underwent emergent surgeries were at higher risk. The mean hospitalization time was markedly longer in patients with complications (10.4 ± 3.2 days) than in those with no complications (6.1 ± 1.9 days).
Conclusion: Diabetic patients who are undergoing abdominal surgery manifest increased postoperative morbidity, and suboptimal glycemic control is a significant contributing factor. Optimal preoperative diabetes control and strict perioperative monitoring may decrease the incidence of complications and increase the surgical success in this high-risk population.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, abdominal surgery, postoperative complications, surgical site infection, glycemic control, wound healing, sepsis.