A case-control study of wound abscess after cesarean delivery.

A retrospective, case-control study was performed to determine risk factors for, and complications of, wound abscess after cesarean delivery. The records of 64 patients with abscess and 64 controls were examined. The following variables were significantly associated with wound abscess: labor duration, interval from rupture of membranes to delivery, number of vaginal examinations, duration of internal fetal monitoring, operating time, and estimated blood loss. Also strongly associated were presence of endometritis or chorioamnionitis, fever in labor, and an indication of dystocia. The mean hospital stay was six days longer in patients with wound abscess. Fascial dehiscence requiring repair was present in 4.7%.