Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant complication following spinal surgery, contributing to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and patient morbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors associated with SSIs following spinal surgery in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and regional sources, identified five studies involving 1,745 patients. The pooled incidence rate of SSIs was 7% (95% CI: 3%-12%). Notable risk factors included diabetes, obesity, extended surgery duration, and blood transfusions. Posterior surgical approaches and prolonged hospital stays were also associated with increased SSI risk. Heterogeneity among studies was high (I² = 90%), indicating variability in SSI rates, likely due to differences in study design and patient demographics. The quality assessment classified three studies as high quality and two as moderate quality. The findings underscore the importance of targeted preventive strategies and improved perioperative management, particularly in high-risk patients. Further high-quality research is essential to optimize clinical outcomes for spinal surgery patients in Saudi Arabia.
Key words: Surgical site infections, spinal surgery, epidemiology, risk factors, Saudi Arabia
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