Impact of gender on surgical site infections in abdominal surgery: A multi-center study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Male sex is controversially discussed as a risk factor for surgical site infections (SSI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of gender on SSI in abdominal surgery under elimination of relevant confounders. Methods Clinicopathological data of 6603 patients undergoing abdominal surgery from a multi-center prospective database of four Swiss hospitals including patients between 2015 and 2018 were assessed. Patients were stratified according to postoperative SSI and risk factors for SSI were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results In 649 of 6603 patients SSI was reported (9.8%). SSI was significantly associated with increased risk of reoperation (22.7% vs. 3.4%, p <0.001), higher mortality rate (4.6% vs. 0.9%, p <0.001) and higher rate of length of hospital stay > 75th percentile (57.0% vs. 17.9%, p <0.001). In univariate analysis male sex was a significant risk factor for SSI (p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis including multiple confounders’ such as comorbidities and perioperative factors there was no association between male sex and risk of SSI (OR 1.1 [CI 0.8–1.4]). BMI >= 30 kg/m2 (OR 1.8 [CI 1.3–2.3]), duration of surgery > 75th percentile (OR 2.3 [1.8–2.9]), high contamination level (OR 1.3 [1.0–1.6]), laparotomy (OR 1.3 [1.0–1.7]), previous laparotomy (OR 1.4 [1.1–1.7]), blood transfusion (OR 1.7 [1.2–2.4]), cancer (OR 1.3 [1.0–1.8]), malnutrition (OR 2.5 [1.8–3.4]) were independent risk factors for SSI in multivariate analysis. Conclusion Under elimination of relevant confounders there is no significant correlation between gender and risk of SSI after abdominal surgery. Independent risk factors for SSI as BMI >= 30 kg/m2, duration of surgery > 75th percentile, high contamination level, surgical approach or malnutrition should be considered during treatment.