Prevalence of Postoperative Infections in Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Pediatric maxillofacial trauma requires tailored surgical management, but postoperative infection rates in low- and middle-income country settings remain underreported. Understanding procedure-specific and demographic patterns is essential for preventive strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of postoperative infections in pediatric maxillofacial trauma patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Liberty Hospital Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to December 2025. Using purposive sampling, 72 pediatric patients (aged ≤18 years) with maxillofacial trauma requiring surgical intervention were enrolled. Surgical procedures included ORIF (19 cases), closed reduction (31 cases), and soft tissue repair (22 cases). Postoperative infection was defined as purulent discharge, positive culture, or inflammation requiring antibiotics within 30 days. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Postoperative infection prevalence was 13.9% among 72 patients. Age distribution was 52.8% (14–16 years) and 47.2% (>16 years). Males comprised 68.1%. Mandibular trauma was most common (43.1%), followed by maxillary (25.0%), zygomatic (16.7%), and multiple fractures (15.3%). Infection rates were 16.3% in males and 8.7% in females (p=0.382). ORIF had the highest infection rate (26.3%), followed by closed reduction (9.7%) and soft tissue repair (9.1%). Surgery ≥2 hours and hospital stay ≥5 days were significantly associated with infection (p=0.007 each). Conclusion: Postoperative infection occurred in 13.9% of pediatric maxillofacial trauma patients. Longer surgery duration and prolonged hospital stay were significantly associated with infection. ORIF carried the highest risk. Routine surveillance and tailored antibiotic protocols are recommended.

Journal of Paediatric Surgeons of Bangladesh (2026) Vol. 17 (1): 54-59