Comparative Study of Postoperative Surgical Site Infections in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients Undergoing General Surgical Procedures

Purpose: Median sternotomy is the standard approach for most cardiac surgeries, and sternal closure technique critically influences postoperative stability, pain, and wound healing.This study compared the clinical outcomes of Figure -of-Eight and Simple Interrupted sternal wire closures in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 108 adults undergoing elective median sternotomy were equally divided into two groups (n = 54 each).The Figure-of-Eight group received sternal closure using the Figureof-Eight technique, while the control group underwent Simple Interrupted closure.Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Analog Scale (NAS) for pain; ASEPSIS wound score, Sternal Instability Scale (SIS), Barthel Index for functional independence, and hospital recovery measures.Results: The Figure-of-Eight group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes, with lower pain scores (1.81 ± 1.47 vs. 4.76 ± 1.48, p < 0.001) and 100% satisfactory wound healing compared to 5.6% in the control group.Sternal stability (SIS Grade 0)was achieved in 72.2% versus 24.1% of patients.Functional independence was higher (Barthel Index: 91.78 ± 4.39 vs. 75.94± 9.09, p < 0.001), with earlier ambulation (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 3.56 ± 0.5 days, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (6.00 ± 1.00 vs. 7.22 ± 2.12 days), and greater satisfaction (9.04 ± 0.85 vs. 6.96 ± 0.89). Conclusion:The Figure-of-Eight sternal wire closure technique yields better postoperative outcomes than the Simple Interrupted method, enhancing pain relief, wound healing, sternal stability, recovery, and patient satisfaction.