The burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing in the Nepalese population. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains one of the most frequently performed surgical interventions for the management of advanced CAD. Despite this, there is a paucity of data regarding the incidence and determinants of surgical site infections (SSIs) following CABG in the Nepalese context. This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSIs after CABG surgery in the Nepalese population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• Undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
• Elective surgical cases

Exclusion Criteria:

• CABG performed in combination with other cardiac procedures (e.g., valve surgery, aortic aneurysm repair, congenital heart surgery)
• Known allergy to penicillin or cephalosporins
• Refusal to provide informed consent
• Loss to follow-up within 30 days after surgery

The study was conducted at Manmohan Cardio Thoracic Vascular and Transplant Center (MCVTC), a national tertiary referral center in Nepal performing over 20% of the country's cardiac surgeries. Using convenience sampling, adults (≥18 years) undergoing elective, isolated CABG were included. Patients having combined cardiac procedures, penicillin/cephalosporin allergy, refusal of consent, or loss to follow-up within 30 days were excluded.