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Original Research | General Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 232 - 234 | India
Comparison of NNIS and SSIRS for Predicting Surgical Site Infection Following Exploratory Laparotomy: A Prospective Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of postoperative morbidity following exploratory laparotomy, particularly in contaminated and emergency settings. Accurate risk prediction tools are essential for identifying high-risk patients and guiding preventive strategies. While the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) index is widely used, it may be limited by its focus on operative variables. The Surgical Site Infection Risk Score (SSIRS) incorporates patient-related factors and may offer improved predictive accuracy. Aim: To compare the predictive performance of NNIS and SSIRS in forecasting SSIs following exploratory laparotomy. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 80 adult patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy over 18 months. NNIS and SSIRS were calculated for each patient. Associations were analysed using appropriate statistical tests, and predictive accuracy was assessed using ROC curve analysis. Results: SSI occurred in 20% of patients. Diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypoalbuminemia, anaemia, and contaminated wounds were significantly associated with SSI (p<0.05). NNIS demonstrated good predictive ability (AUC=0.800), while SSIRS showed superior discrimination (AUC=0.827). Conclusion: SSIRS outperformed NNIS in predicting SSI. Incorporation of multifactorial risk assessment may improve perioperative optimisation and surgical outcomes.
Keywords: surgical site infection, exploratory laparotomy, NNIS score, SSIRS, risk prediction
How to Cite?: Dr. Sameer Jatoo, Dr. Vinit Rahaney, Dr. Ali Reza, "Comparison of NNIS and SSIRS for Predicting Surgical Site Infection Following Exploratory Laparotomy: A Prospective Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 232-234, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26504225744, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26504225744