Background: Postoperative wound infections (POWIs) are one of the most common complications following surgery and are associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased cost, and significant morbidity.

Aim: To determine the incidence, risk factors, causative organisms, and management outcomes of postoperative wound infections.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 200 postoperative patients from General Surgery/Orthopedics/Obstetrics-Gynecology departments. Clinical evaluation, culture and sensitivity tests, antibiotic usage, type of surgery, comorbidities, and outcome parameters were recorded.

Results: The overall incidence of wound infection was 18%. Major risk factors included diabetes (30%), obesity (25%), emergency surgery (40%), prolonged operative time (>2 hrs – 35%) and contaminated wounds (50%). Staphylococcus aureus (40%) and E. coli (25%) were the most common organisms. Antibiotic sensitivity showed increased resistance to cephalosporins, while piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem were highly effective.

Conclusion: Proper aseptic precautions, antibiotic stewardship, and strict monitoring of high-risk patients are essential to reduce postoperative wound infections.