Scientific Journal of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Faculty

Background and Aim: healing of operation area is one of the main concerns after surgery. Supplemental oxygen therapy during surgery can result in decreasing wound infection and promoting healing.

In the present study, the effect of supplemental oxygen therapy on the incidence and severity of wound infection after cesarean section was studied.

 Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 122 women undergoing cesarean section and they were randomly selected in two groups of intervention and control in Besat Hospital in Sanandaj. Venturi mask at the rate of 80% equal to 12 liters per minute up to 6 hours was used for the intervention group, during surgery, after the surgery, in the recovery room and ward. Routine procedures were performed for the control group (30 % oxygen equal to 3-5 liters per minute with conventional mask). The incidence and severity of infection and speed of healing of the wound area were recorded ​​ until 14 days after the surgery and after discharge. To analyze the data, t-test, chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used.

Findings: The results showed no significant difference about the incidence of infection in the intervention and control groups 14 days after surgery. The severity of surgical wound infection in the intervention and control group was statistically significant and wound healing time and severity of infections was higher in the control group (p <./ 05).

Conclusion: supplemental oxygen therapy during and after surgery can help wound healing and prevent wound infection effectively.
It is recommended that in order to control post surgery infection, controlled methods such as using Venturi mask for oxygen therapy be used.