Abstract

Objective
To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C in general surgical patients.
Subjects and Method
This observational study was performed at Margalla Teaching Hospital Pirwadhai and United
Medical Center Rawalpindi during a period of one and half year. One hundred patients
undergoing surgery were screened for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and risk factors were
analyzed.
Results
Out of 100 patients, eight were positive for HCV antibodies. Majority of patients were of 40-50
years of age. In sixty male patients, five were found positive while in 40 female patients, three
were positive HCV antibody. Among the positive cases, most patients belonged to poor socioeconomic
status and were uneducated. Previous history of surgical procedure was noted in 50
percent of the subjects.
Conclusion
Hepatitis C antibody was found to be positive in 8% patients presenting for surgery. Most
belonged to poor socio economic class and were uneducated. Awareness regarding Hepatitis C
infection should be created and strategies should be made to prevent the spread of this infection.
(Rawal Med J 2010;35: ).

Key words: Hepatitis C, surgical procedure, anti HCV.