Analysis of post-operative risk factors in emergency surgery “A study conducted at the Mbandaka General Referral Hospital, Equateur Province, DRC”

Abstract

Introduction: The immediate postoperative phase is a period of significant vulnerability in sub-Saharan Africa, where gaps in monitoring and logistical constraints increase mortality.

Objective: This study comprehensively identifies the risk factors associated with post-surgical complications in patients admitted via A&E.

Methodology: Conducted at the Wangata General Referral Hospital (Mbandaka), this quantitative, cross-sectional study retrospectively analyses 221 clinical records collected between February and April 2026. Data were extracted using a validated data collection form.

Results: The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) was 24.0% and mortality was 14.0%. Multivariate analysis reveals that the three main independent predictors of SSI are an ASA score ≥ 3 (OR = 4.21), the absence of perioperative antibiotic therapy (OR = 3.67) and a pre-hospital waiting time exceeding 24 hours (OR = 3.18).

Discussion: The data highlight that the prognosis depends on systemic breakdown (shortages of pharmaceutical supplies, precarious access to water and electricity) combined with the patients’ physiological exhaustion due to delays in care.

Conclusion: Overcoming this vulnerability requires a shift towards proactive safety: the systematic implementation of antibiotic prophylaxis, standardisation of hourly nursing monitoring, and the restoration of basic resources.

Keywords: Analysis, risk factor, postoperative, emergency surgery.

Received Date: February 22, 2026

Accepted Date: March 14, 2026

Published Date: April 02, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/679