Risk Factors For Wound Dehiscence Research Articles

Scrotoplasty at Time of Penile Implant is at High Risk for Dehiscence in Diabetics

IntroductionScrotoplasty has become a common practice during insertion of penile prosthesis, improving patient perception of penile length. Previous reports on scrotoplasty outcomes have only focused on the perceived benefits. The risk of wound complications after scrotoplasty is unknown. AimIdentify wound complications and associated risk factors of scrotoplasty with insertion of penile prosthesis. MethodsA retrospective review of a single-surgeon series (T.S.K.) of patients who underwent scrotoplasty with initial insertion of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) was performed from 2009–2014. Surgical outcomes and wound complications after scrotoplasty were examined, along with patient information, including basic demographics, medical comorbidities, and perioperative data. Main Outcome MeasuresStudied outcomes included rate of wound complications after scrotoplasty and IPP insertion and identification of risk factors for wound dehiscence. ResultsOf the 103 scrotoplasties performed during the study period, a total of 15 had mild, moderate, or major wound dehiscence. Of these 15 cases, 9 had mild dehiscence and 5 cases had moderate dehiscence and required stitches to be placed in clinic to reinforce the closure. 1 patient had a major dehiscence requiring a return to the operating room for a washout, with exchange of IPP to malleable prosthesis. Multiple risk factors for wound dehiscence were found, including diabetes (odds ratio 6.1, CI 1.5, 25.0, P = .0129) and scrotoplasty technique (odds ratio 4.9, CI 1.2, 8.6, P = .003). Other examined variables, including patient age, Peyronie’s disease, hypertension, intraoperative penile modeling, smoking, and device manufacturer, were not associated with wound dehiscence. Clinical ImplicationsPatients with diabetes and scrotoplasties performed via V-Y plasty are more likely to experience wound dehiscence. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths include a single surgeon, thus lending continuity of skill and technique, a consecutive series, and 100% short-term follow-up. Limitations include retrospective design, single institution series, and lack of long-term follow-up. ConclusionAlthough scrotoplasty can improve patient satisfaction with IPP, scrotoplasty can lead to increased patient morbidity. Diabetic patients are at increased risk for wound complication after scrotoplasty.Gupta NK, Sulaver R, Welliver C, et al. Scrotoplasty at Time of Penile Implant is at High Risk for Dehiscence in Diabetics. J Sex Med 2019;16:602–608.

Wound Dehiscence after Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty in Children with Anorectal Malformations.

Aim of the Study To assess the frequency of and identify contributing factors to wound dehiscence after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in children born with anorectal malformations (ARM). Methods Ethical approval was obtained (DNR 2017/191). Charts of all children with anorectal malformations (ARM) reconstructed with PSARP, limited PSARP, or PSARVUP at a tertiary centre of paediatric surgery between 2001 and 2016 were reviewed. Wound dehiscence within 30 days postoperatively was analysed regarding gender, prematurity, birth weight, type of ARM, other congenital malformations, single- or multistaged reconstruction, age and weight at reconstruction, postoperative antibiotics, and fasting. Multiple regression analysis was performed for risk factors in single-stage PSARP or limited PSARP, presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Main Results Ninety patients were included, of which 53 (59%) were males. Single-staged PSARP was performed in 40 (44%) patients and 50 (56%) had a multistaged reconstruction with a colostomy. Wound dehiscence was significantly more common among patients without a colostomy; 17 (43%) vs. 11 (22%) (p=0.043). In patients with single-stage PSARP, no single factor was identified to increase the risk for wound dehiscence: cardiac malformations (OR 3.73) (95% CI 0.78-17.88), low weight at surgery (OR 1.56) (95% CI 0.36-6.99), antibiotics < 1 day (OR 1.6) (95% CI 0.43-5.94), or short fasting 0-3 days (OR 4.44) (95% CI 0.47-42.18). Conclusions A divided colostomy protected against wound dehiscence after PSARP. No risk factor for wound dehiscence after single-staged PSARP was identified. Further studies are needed to establish contributing factors to uncomplicated wound healing after PSARP.

Abdominal Panniculectomy: Determining the Impact of Diabetes on Complications and Risk Factors for Adverse Events.

The prevalence of obesity along with bariatric surgery and massive weight loss requiring panniculectomy is increasing in the United States. The effect of diabetes mellitus on outcomes following panniculectomy remains poorly defined despite its prevalence. This study aims to evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus on complications following panniculectomy and determine risk factors for adverse events. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients undergoing panniculectomy between 2010 and 2015. Patients were stratified based on diabetes status. Review of the database identified 7035 eligible patients who underwent panniculectomy, of which 770 (10.9 percent) were diabetic. Multivariate regression showed that diabetes mellitus was a significant risk factor for wound dehiscence (OR, 1.92; 95 percent CI, 1.41 to 3.15; p = 0.02). Obesity was a significant risk factor for superficial (OR, 2.78; 95 percent CI, 1.53 to 3.69; p < 0.001) and deep (OR, 1.52; 95 percent CI, 1.38 to 3.97; p = 0.01) incisional surgical-site infection. Smokers were also at an increased risk for superficial (OR, 1.42; 95 percent CI, 1.19 to 1.75; p = 0.03) and deep (OR, 1.63; 95 percent CI, 1.31 to 2.22; p = 0.02) incisional surgical-site infection. Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for wound dehiscence following panniculectomy. Obesity and smoking were significant risk factors for superficial and deep incisional surgical-site infection. These results underscore the importance of preoperative risk factor evaluation in patients undergoing panniculectomy for safe outcomes. Risk, II.

The effect of postoperative closed incision negative pressure therapy on the incidence of donor site wound dehiscence in breast reconstruction patients: DEhiscence PREvention Study (DEPRES), pilot randomized controlled trial

AimWound dehiscence is a serious postoperative complication associated both with high morbidity and mortality. It has a significant rate of occurrence in breast reconstruction surgeries with a deep internal epigastric perforator (DIEP) and with a profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap. Risk factors for wound dehiscence include smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether postoperative treatment with closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) decreases the incidence of donor site wound dehiscence in breast reconstruction patients. MethodWomen undergoing a breast reconstruction with a DIEP or PAP flap were enrolled in a pilot randomized controlled trial and assigned treatment with either ciNPT or adhesive strips. The primary outcome was wound dehiscence upon follow-up after four weeks. Secondary outcomes that were evaluated included wound infection, pain, and allergy. There was no loss to follow-up. ResultsThis pilot study included 51 women (n = 25 ciNPT, n = 26 adhesive strips). The two groups did not differ significantly in patients demographics or comorbidities. Wound dehiscence occurred in 11 patients (n = 2 ciNPT, n = 9 adhesive strips). This difference was statistically significant: p = 0.038. There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes between the two groups. ConclusionIn this pilot study, postoperative treatment with ciNPT decreased the incidence of donor site wound dehiscence in breast reconstruction patients. Further research is ongoing by the same hospital.This trial was registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) under ID no. NTR5808.

Study of risk factors in post-laparotomy wound dehiscence

Background: Wound dehiscence/burst abdomen is a very serious post-operative complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. The need for this study is to highlight the risk factors for wound dehiscence and remedial measures to prevent or reduce the incidence of wound dehiscence. This will certainly reduce mortality and morbidity in the form of prolonged hospital stay, increased economic burden on health care resources.Methods: This is a prospective and observational study involving all those who have developed abdomen wound dehiscence after initial surgery, an elaborative study of these cases with regard to date of admission, clinical history regarding the mode of presentation, significant risk factors, investigations, time of surgery and type of surgery postoperatively, study of diagnosis and day of diagnosis of wound dehiscence is done till the patient is discharged from the hospital. The collected data is analysed and statistics were made according to need.Results: The incidence of abdominal wound dehiscence is more common in male patients in 4th to 5th decade. Patients with peritonitis due to duodenal perforation, complicated appendicitis, pyoperitoneum and intestinal obstruction and carried higher risk of abdominal wound dehiscence. Abdominal wound dehiscence was more common in patients operated in emergency. Patients with intra-abdominal infection, anaemia, hypoalbuminemia, jaundice had higher incidence of wound dehiscence.Conclusions: Wound dehiscence can be prevented by improving nutritional status of patient, proper surgical technique, controlling infections and correcting co-morbid conditions.

The Influence of Connective Tissue Disease in Breast Reconstruction: A National Database Analysis.

Patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD), or collagen vascular diseases, are at risk of potentially higher morbidity after surgical procedures. We aimed to investigate the complication profile in CTD versus non-CTD patients who underwent breast reconstruction on a national scale. A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project NIS Database between 2010 and 2014 was conducted for patients 18 years or older admitted for immediate autologous or implant breast reconstruction. Connective tissue disease was defined as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, Raynaud phenomenon, psoriatic arthritis, or sarcoidosis. Independent t test/Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney was used to compare continuous variables and Pearson χ/Fischer exact test was used for categorical variables. Outcomes of interest were assessed using multivariable linear regressions for continuous variables and multivariable logistic regressions for categorical variables. There were 19,496 immediate autologous breast reconstruction patients, with 357 CTD and 19,139 non-CTD patients (2010-2014). The CTD patients had higher postoperative complication rates for infection (2.8% vs 0.8%, P < 0.001), wound dehiscence (1.4% vs 0.4%, P = 0.019), and bleeding (hemorrhage and hematoma) (6.7% vs 3.5%, P < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, CTD remained an independent risk factor for bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 1.568; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.019-2.412). There were a total of 23,048 immediate implant breast reconstruction patients, with 431 CTD and 22,617 non-CTD patients (2010-2014). The CTD patients had a higher postoperative complication rate for wound dehiscence/complication (2.3% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001). They also experienced a longer length of stay (2.31 days vs 2.07 days, P < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, CTD remained an independent risk factor for wound dehiscence (OR, 4.084; 95% CI, 2.101-7.939) and increased length of stay by 0.050 days (95% CI, -0.081 to 0.181). Connective tissue disease patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction had significantly higher infection, wound dehiscence, and bleeding rates, and those who underwent implant breast reconstruction had significantly higher wound dehiscence rates. Connective tissue diseases appear to be an independent risk factor for bleeding and wound dehiscence in autologous and implant breast reconstruction, respectively. This information may help clinicians be aware of this increased risk when determining patients for reconstruction.

Retrospective review of risk factors for surgical wound dehiscence and incisional hernia

BackgroundSeveral factors and patient characteristics influence the risk of surgical wound dehiscence and incisional hernia after midline laparotomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a specified, or not specified, suture quota in the operative report affects the incidence of surgical wound complications and to describe the previously known risk factors for these complications.MethodsRetrospective data collection from medical records of all vascular procedures and laparotomies engaging the small intestines, colon and rectum performed in 2010. Patients were enrolled from four hospitals in the region Västra Götaland, Sweden. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression analyses were used when calculating the impact of the risk factors for surgical wound dehiscence and incisional hernia.ResultsA total of 1,621 patients were included in the study. Wound infection was a risk factor for both wound dehiscence and incisional hernia. BMI 25–30, 30–35 and >35 were risk factors for wound dehiscence and BMI 30–35 was a risk factor for incisional hernia. We did not find that documentation of the details of suture technique, regarding wound and suture length, influenced the rate of wound dehiscence or incisional hernia.ConclusionsThese results support previous findings identifying wound infection and high BMI as risk factors for both wound dehiscence and incisional hernia. Our study indicates the importance of preventive measures against wound infection and a preoperative dietary regiment could be considered as a routine worth testing for patients with high BMI planned for abdominal surgical precedures.

Flap Reconstruction for Pressure Ulcers: An Outcomes Analysis.

Background:Historically, complication rates after pressure ulcer reconstruction utilizing flap coverage have been high. Patients undergoing operations for pressure ulcer coverage typically have multiple risk factors for postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to examine a large patient series in the pressure ulcer population to uncover objective evidence of the linkage between risk factors and outcomes after flap coverage.Methods:This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent flap reconstruction for a pressure ulcer between 1997 and 2015. The characteristics of patients were analyzed to determine those who had complications such as pressure ulcer recurrence, wound dehiscence, and wound infection.Results:All patients (N = 276) underwent flap coverage of their pressure ulcers. The overall complication rate was 58.7% (162 patients). Wound dehiscence was the most common complication (31.2%), and the pressure ulcer recurrence rate was 28.6%. Multivariate regression for pressure ulcer recurrence revealed that body mass index <18.5 [relative risk (RR) 3.13], active smoking (RR 2.33), and ischial pressure ulcers (RR 3.46) were independent risk factors for pressure ulcer recurrence. Ischial pressure ulcers (RR 2.27) and preoperative osteomyelitis (RR 2.78) were independent risk factors for wound dehiscence. Diabetes was an independent risk factor for wound infection (RR 4.34).Conclusions:Our retrospective analysis revealed numerous factors that are associated with high rates of major postoperative complications. Risk factors must be taken into account when offering flap coverage, and risk-reducing strategies must be implemented in patients before pressure ulcer reconstruction.

Risk factors for wound complications after abdominoperineal excision: analysis of the ACS NSQIP database.

The perineal wound following abdominoperineal excision (APR) is associated with a high complication rate. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for wound complications and examine the effect of flap reconstruction on wound healing. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was searched for patients who underwent APR for rectal adenocarcinoma. They were divided into two groups: primary closure of the perineal wound and flap reconstruction. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for deep surgical site infection (SSI) and wound dehiscence. A total of 8449 (94%) patients from the database underwent primary closure and 550 (6%) underwent flap reconstruction. Patients who underwent flap reconstruction had a longer operation time, a higher incidence of deep SSI, wound dehiscence, more blood transfusion requirement and a higher rate of return to the operating room (all P<0.001). Risk factors for deep SSI were African American race (OR 1.5, P=0.02), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification ≥4 (OR 3.2, P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) ≥35kg/m(2) (OR 1.7, P=0.006), weight loss (OR 2, P<0.001) and closure with a flap (OR 1.9, P<0.001). Risk factors for wound dehiscence included ASA classification ≥4 (OR 2.2, P=0.003), history of smoking (OR 2.2, P<0.001), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.7, P=0.03), BMI ≥35kg/m(2) (OR 1.9, P=0.001) and closure with a flap (OR 2.9, P<0.001). Perineal wound complications are related to a patient's race, ASA classification, smoking, obesity and weight loss. Compared with primary closure, closure with a flap was associated with higher odds of wound infection and dehiscence and was not protective of wound complications in the presence of other risk factors. Therefore optimizing the patient's medical condition will lead to a better outcome irrespective of the technique used for perineal wound closure.

Prophylactic Resorbable Synthetic Mesh to Prevent Wound Dehiscence and Incisional Hernia in High High-risk Laparotomy: A Pilot Study of Using TIGR Matrix Mesh.

Wound dehiscence and incisional hernia are potentially serious complications following abdominal surgery, especially if performed through a midline incision. Although prophylactic reinforcement with on-lay mesh has been shown to reduce this risk, a permanent mesh carries the risk of seroma formation, infection, and persistent pain. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of a reabsorbable on-lay mesh to reinforce the midline suture in patients with high risk for wound dehiscence or incisional hernia. Sixteen patients with three or more risk factors for wound dehiscence or incisional hernia were included. A TIGR(®) Matrix mesh, composed of a mixture of 40% copolymer fibers of polyglycolide, polylactide, and polytrimethylene carbonate and 60% copolymer fibers of polylactide and polytrimethylene carbonate, was placed on the aponeurosis with an overlap of five on either side and fixated with continuous monofilament polydioxanone suture. All postoperative complications were registered at clinical follow-up. Mean follow-up was 9 months. One patient developed a seroma that needed drainage and antibiotic treatment. One patient had a wound infection that needed antibiotic treatment. There was no complication requiring a reoperation. No wound dehiscence or incisional hernia was seen. On-lay placement of TIGR(®) Matrix is safe and may provide a feasible way of reinforcing the suture line in patients with high risk for postoperative wound dehiscence or incisional hernia. Larger samples are required, however, if one is to draw any conclusion regarding the safety and effectiveness of this technique.

Wound Healing Following Open Groin Hernia Surgery: The Impact of Comorbidity.

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of chronic concomitant disease on the risk for postoperative complications following open groin hernia surgery. During the study period (2002-2011), 133,074 open repairs were registered in the Swedish Hernia Register. History of peripheral vascular disorders, connective tissue disease, chronic renal failure, obesity, and liver cirrhosis as well as data on hemorrhage or hematoma, wound dehiscence, postoperative infection, and reoperation for superficial infection or bleeding within 30 days after surgery were obtained by matching with the Swedish Patient Register. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significantly increased risk for hemorrhage or hematoma within 30 days after surgery was seen for older patients, males, liver cirrhosis, peripheral vascular disease, and connective tissue disease (p < 0.05). High age (>80 years), previous history of peripheral vascular disease, connective tissue disease, and male gender were risk factors for wound dehiscence (p < 0.05). Liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, BMI > 25, and male gender were associated with increased risk for postoperative wound infection (p < 0.05). A significantly increased risk for reoperation for superficial infection or bleeding was seen in patients with peripheral vascular disease and elderly patients (p < 0.05). Risk for postoperative complications in open groin hernia surgery is increased in elderly patients, patients with liver cirrhosis, and those with peripheral vascular disease. The indications for surgery should be weighed against the risk for wound-healing complications in these patient groups. Watchful waiting may be an alternative, although this carries the risk of emergency surgery.

Risk Factors for Wound Dehiscence after Guided Bone Regeneration in Dental Implant Surgery.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate risks for wound dehiscence after guided bone regeneration (GBR) in dental implant surgery.Methods:Patients who received dental implant therapy with GBR procedure at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (Seongnam, Korea) from June 2004 to May 2007 were included. The clinical outcome of interest was complications related to dental implant surgery. The factors influencing wound dehiscence, classified into patient-related factors, surgery-related factors and material-related factors, were evaluated.Results:One hundred and fifteen cases (202 implants) were included in this study. Wound dehiscence (19.1%) was considered a major complication. The risk of wound dehiscence was higher in males than in females (odds ratio=4.279, P =0.014). In the main graft, the allogenic group had the lowest risk of wound dehiscence (odds ratio=0.106, P =0.006). Though the external connection group had a higher risk of wound dehiscence than the internal connection group (odds ratio=2.381), the difference was not significant (P =0.100).Conclusion:In this study, male gender and main graft have the highest risk of wound dehiscence. To reduce wound dehiscence after GBR, instructions on postoperative care with supplementary procedure for the protection of the wound dehiscence is recommended, especially to male patients. A main graft with a gel base can reduce the risk of wound dehiscence.

A prospective evaluation of the risk factors for development of wound dehiscence and incisional hernia.

Post-laparotomy wound dehiscence, evantration and evisceration are important complications leading to an increase in both morbidity and mortality. Incisional hernias are frequently observed following abdominal surgeries and their occurrence is related to various local and systemic factors. This study aims to analyze the factors affecting wound healing by investigating the parameters that may cause wound dehiscence, incisional hernia, sinus formation and chronic incisional pain. The records of 265 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery were analyzed. The data on patient characteristics, medication, surgical procedure type, type of suture and surgical instruments used and complications were recorded. The patients were followed up with respect to sinus formation, incisional hernia occurrence and presence of chronic incision pain. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 10.00 program. The groups were compared via chi-square tests. Significance was determined as p<0.05. Multi-variate analysis was done by forward logistic regression analysis. 115 (43.4%) patients were female and 150 (56.6%) were male. Ninety-four (35.5%) patients were under 50 years old and 171 (64.5%) were older than 50 years. The median follow-up period was 28 months (0-48). Factors affecting wound dehiscence were found to be; creation of an ostomy (p=0.002), postoperative pulmonary problems (p=0.001) and wound infection (p=0.001). Factors leading to incisional hernia were; incision type (p=0.002), formation of an ostomy (p=0.002), postoperative bowel obstruction (p=0.027), postoperative pulmonary problems (p=0.017) and wound infection (p=0.011). Awareness of the factors causing wound dehiscence and incisional hernia in abdominal surgery, means of intervention to the risk factors and taking relevant measures may prevent complications. Surgical complications that occur in the postoperative period are especially related to wound healing problems.

Risk factors for wound dehiscence after laparotomy - clinical control trial.

Described in the literature dehiscence rate in the adult population is 0.3-3.5%, and in the elderly group as much as 10%. In about 20-45% evisceration becomes a significant risk factor of death in the perioperative period. The aim of the study was to identify the main risk factors for abdominal wound dehiscence in the adult population. The study included patients treated in the 3rd Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum in Cracow in the period from January 2008 to December 2011, in which at that time laparotomy was performed and was complicated by wound dehiscence in the postoperative period. For each person in a research group, 3-4 control patient were selected. Selection criteria were corresponding age (± 2-3 years), gender, underlying disease and type of surgery performed. In 56 patients (2.9%) dehiscence occurred in the postoperative period with 25% mortality. The group consisted of 37 men and 19 women with the mean age of 66.8 ± 12.6 years. Univariate analysis showed that chronic steroids use, surgical site infection, anastomotic dehiscence/fistula in the postoperative period and damage to the gastrointestinal tract are statistically significant risk factors for dehiscence. Two first of these factors occurred to be independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis. In addition, due to the selection criteria, a group of risk factors should also include male gender, emergency operation, midline laparotomy, colorectal syrgery and elderly age (> 65 years). Logistic regression analysis did not show that a particular surgeon, time of surgery or a particular month (including holiday months) were statistically significant risk factor for dehiscence. Wound dehiscence is a serious complication with relatively small incidence but also high mortality. Preoperative identification of risk factors allows for a more informed consent before patient's treatment and to take measures to prevent or minimize the consequences of complication associated with it.

Wound dehiscence and stump infection after lower limb amputation: risk factors and association with antibiotic use

BackgroundOptimal duration of antibiotic prophylaxis following major lower limb amputation in preventing adverse stump outcomes is controversial. ObjectiveWe assess the epidemiology and risk factors of wound dehiscence and stump infection after mid-thigh to transmetatarsal amputations with regard to antibiotic administration. MethodsOur retrospective observational study at the Geneva University Hospital (January 1995–June 2010) includes a total of 289 amputations in 270 adult patients (199 males; median age 70years). ResultsWound dehiscence and/or stump infection occurred in 47 (16.3 %) and 63 (21.8 %) patients with a median delay of 24 and 14days, respectively. No clinical variable was significantly associated with stump infection. Diabetes and older age (>80years) were associated with dehiscence. Importantly, transcutaneous tissue oxygen tension (TcPO2) and duration of antibiotic administration showed no association with either outcome. ConclusionThe duration of antibiotic administration before or after surgery does not change the epidemiology of stump complications.

Delayed Autologous Breast Reconstruction After Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy

The optimal time for delayed autologous breast reconstruction after postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is unknown. Although most reconstructive surgeons recommend waiting for 6 months, this timing is arbitrary. A retrospective analysis was performed of 199 patients undergoing delayed autologous reconstruction; 100 patients had prior PMRT, whereas 99 patients had no previous radiation. Radiated patients had higher overall complications (40% vs. 20.2%, P = 0.0023), including wound dehiscence (11% vs. 3%, P = 0.049), and trended toward increased postsurgical infections (7% vs. 1%, P = 0.065). Logistic regression models of unequally distributed variables found radiation therapy to be the only independent risk factor for wound dehiscence (odds ratio, 3.97; P = 0.04). Mean follow-up for radiated and nonradiated patients was 33.3 months and 39.4 months, respectively. After PMRT, 17 patients were reconstructed within 6 months and 83 after 6 months. No significant differences in complications were observed between these groups. An alternate analysis examined 51 patients reconstructed within 12 months of PMRT and 49 patients reconstructed after; again, there were no differences in complications. As overall complications are similar in patients reconstructed early or late after PMRT, autologous breast reconstruction can potentially be performed earlier than is the current accepted practice.

Association of smoking with wound complications after cesarean delivery

Objective: To determine whether smoking is an independent risk factor for wound dehiscence after cesarean delivery. Methods: In this case–control study, medical records were reviewed for all patients with wound dehiscence after cesarean delivery during a 7-month period. Wound dehiscence was defined as separation of wound edges requiring treatment. Three control patients without such complications were randomly selected for each case patient. Univariate associations were assessed using t test or Fisher’s exact test; univariate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with logistic regression. Multivariate associations were assessed with logistic regression on variables with a univariate association significant at p ≤ 0.10. Results: Of 597 cesarean deliveries, 30 cases (5 %) with wound dehiscence were identified. As individual variables, smoking (46.7 vs. 21.1%, p < 0.01, cases vs. controls), histological chorioamnionitis (27.6 vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01) and preoperative hematocrit (34.0 ± 3.2 vs. 35.4 ± 3.4, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with wound complications. In a multivariate logistic regression model, only smoking (OR 5.32; 95% CI 1.77–15.97, p < 0.01) and histological chorioamnionitis (OR 5.62; 95% CI 1.43–22.11, p < 0.01) were independently associated with wound dehiscence. Conclusions: Smoking and histological chorioamnionitis are independently associated with wound dehiscence after cesarean delivery.

Smoking is a major risk factor for wound dehiscence after midline abdominal incision; case–control study

The incidence of acute fascial wound dehiscence (AFWD) after major abdominal operations is as high as 3%. AFWD is associated with mortality rates of 15-20%. Male gender, advanced age and numerous systemic factors including malignancy hypoproteinemia and steroid use have been associated with increased risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between smoking prevalence and AFWD. Middlemore Hospital records were retrieved from the 1997-2006 period for patients who had undergone midline abdominal surgery and developed AFWD. A return to the operating theatre for closure of the fascial dehiscence was required for study group inclusion. Each patient in the study group was matched to two control patients who had been admitted in the same year for surgery and who had a similar initial surgical intervention. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, representing the risk of developing fascial wound dehiscence in smokers compared with the non-smoking group. There were 52 patients (32 male, 20 female) and 104 controls (64 male, 40 female). Median age for both groups was 63 years. A history of heavy tobacco use (> or =20 pack-years) was more prevalent in those who had AFWD (46%) compared with the control group (16%; P = 0.0002; odds ratio 3.7). Smoking is associated with an increased incidence of acute fascial wound dehiscence following laparotomy. It is not known whether smoking is a causal or a surrogate factor.

Wound dehiscence: is still a problem in the 21th century: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of wound dehiscence and determine which of them can be reverted.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 3500 laparotomies. Age over 75 years, diagnosis of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malnutrition, sepsis, obesity, anemia, diabetes, use of steroids, tobacco use and previous administration of chemotherapy or radiotherapy were identified as risk factorsResultsFifteen of these patients developed wound dehiscence. Emergency laparotomy was performed in 9 of these patients. Patients who had more than 7 risk factors died.ConclusionIt is important for the surgeon to know that wound healing demands oxygen consumption, normoglycemia and absence of toxic or septic factors, which reduces collagen synthesis and oxidative killing mechanisms of neutrophils. Also the type of abdominal closure may plays an important role. The tension free closure is recommended and a continuous closure is preferable. Preoperative assessment so as to identify and remove, if possible, these risk factors is essential, in order to minimize the incidence of wound dehiscence, which has a high death rate.

Performance of a Novel Sternal Synthesis Device After Median and Faulty Sternotomy: Mechanical Test and Early Clinical Experience

Reinforcement of chest closure may be required in patients with multiple risk factors of wound dehiscence. Performance of a light, size-adaptable closure reinforcement device (DSS: Sternal Synthesis Device; Mikai SpA, Vicenza, Italy) is presented. A longitudinal median or paramedian incision was performed in artificial sternal models: closure was accomplished with simple interrupted steel wires or reinforced with the DSS. Forces required for separation of the rewired sternal halves during a monotonic tensile test were analyzed. A high velocity traction cycles test was also adopted to simulate the impact of coughing. After median incision, ultimate load values inducing break of the sternum models were 580 +/- 35 N (Newton) in controls; failure of the test occurred at 1,200 +/- 47 N in the reinforced group (p = 0.0002). More lateral displacement of sternal halves at increasing forces was observed in controls (p = 0.0001). After paramedian incision, ultimate load values inducing break of the constructs were lower in controls (220 +/- 20 N vs 500 +/- 25 N, p = 0.001), which also showed more lateral displacement of sternal halves than the reinforced group (p = 0.002). At the high velocity traction cycles test, the number of cycles required to break the models was lower in controls (2,250 +/- 35 vs 3,855 +/- 48 cycles, p = 0.0001). Preliminary clinical experience in 45 patients showed ease of implantation and low risk of complications. The proposed sternal reinforcement device provides substantial sternal support at electromechanical testing after median and faulty sternotomy and may hopefully prevent sternal wires migration and bone fractures in high risk patients.