European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Oral cancer is a significant public health concern in India. This longitudinal study aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, causative microorganisms, and outcomes of postoperative infections among oral cancer patients in a tertiary medical college in India. Data were collected from patients undergoing surgical treatment for oral cancer over a defined period. The findings shed light on the prevalence of infections and can guide the development of preventive strategies and optimize postoperative care for this vulnerable patient group. Methods: it was a longitudinal observational study in which a total of 600 patients who were operated for oral cancer attending dental OPD in a tertiary hospital in Indiafrom September 2022 to August 2023 were studied and followed up. Results: A total of 600 patients who underwent surgery for cancers of the oral cavity during the study period of September 2022 to August 2023 were followed up. SSIs were noticed in 60 (10%) post-operative cases. This included 42 (70%) incisional SSIs and 18 (30%) organ/space SSIs. Culture of the surgical site in 60 infected patients yielded a total of 120 isolates. 15 patients (25%) had polymicrobial infections. Gram-negative bacterial isolates (70%) outnumbered gram-positive bacterial isolates (30%). Majority of the patients (48 patients—80%) were in stage IV disease. Successful management of patients with bacterial infections depends on early identification of bacterial pathogens and selection of an effective antibiotic against the organism. Judicial use of antibiotics is also very essential to prevent the development of drug resistance.