Independent Predictors for Surgical Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION: Complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) in patients with large abdominal defects have become a common procedure. The aim of this study was to identify independent predictors of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing CAWR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an ambidirectional cohort study of 240 patients who underwent CAWR with biologic mesh between 2012 and 2020 at an academic tertiary/quaternary care center. Prior superficial SSI, deep SSI, organ space infections, enterocutaneous fistulae, and combined abdominal infections were defined as prior abdominal infections. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine independent risk factors for SSI. RESULTS: There were a total of 39 wound infections, with an infection rate of 16.3%. Forty percent of patients who underwent CAWR in this study had a history of prior abdominal infections. In the multivariable regression models not weighted for length of stay (LOS), prior abdominal infection (odds ratio [OR]: 2.49, p=0.013) and higher body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1.05, p=0.023) were independent predictors of SSI. In the multivariable regression model weighted for LOS, prior abdominal infection (OR: 2.2, p=0.034), higher BMI (OR: 1.05, p=0.024), and LOS (OR: 1.04, p=0.043) were independent predictors of SSI. CONCLUSION: The history of prior abdominal infections, higher BMI, and increased LOS are important independent predictor of SSI following CAWR.