Researchers from the United States selected 240 patients with large abdominal defects repaired with complex abdominal wall reconstruction between 2012 and 2020 with the aim to identify risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI). The study was designed as an ambidirectional cohort study. In the 39 wound infections, the infection rate was 16.3%. A past history of abdominal infections, defined as previous superficial or deep SSI, enterocutaneous fistulae, organ space infections and combined abdominal infections was present in 40% of participants.

In multivariable regression models weighted for length of stay, patients with previous abdominal infection had 2.2 times higher risk of developing SSI; other factors associated with risk of SSI were higher BMI with an odds ratio of 1.05 and length of stay with OR 1.04. Hence, the authors concluded that a past history of abdominal infections, higher BMI and increased duration of hospitalization are independent predictors of SSI following complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Source: McGuirk M, et al. Surg Technol Int. 2021 May 20;38:179-185.