This prospective observational study aims to compare the incidence and characteristics of postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) between diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing elective general surgical procedures.

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known risk factor for delayed wound healing and postoperative complications. The study seeks to identify how diabetic status influences SSI rates, types (superficial, deep, organ/space), and associated risk factors such as glycemic control (HbA1c), duration of diabetes, and presence of comorbidities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult male and female patients aged 18 to 80 years.
• Patients undergoing elective general surgical procedures.
• Patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2), whether on oral hypoglycemics or insulin, with satisfactory preoperative glycemic control.
• Patients willing to give informed consent.
• Patients available for postoperative follow-up on Day 1, 7, and 14.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Emergency surgical cases.
• Patients with gestational diabetes.
• Patients with poorly controlled diabetes preoperatively.
• Patients with severe comorbid conditions, such as ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, active cancer, or immunocompromised states (e.g., HIV/AIDS).
• Patients on immunosuppressive therapy.
• Patients below 18 years of age.

This prospective observational study aims to compare the incidence and characteristics of postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) between diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing elective general surgical procedures. Diabetes mellitus is a well-known risk factor for delayed wound healing and postoperative complications