The Effect of BMI on Outcomes Following Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstructions

The management of complex abdominal wall defects continues to be a challenging process secondary to the high potential for wound healing issues and ventral hernia recurrences. Body mass index (BMI) is a well-known risk factor when it comes to complications. We hypothesize that higher BMIs result in higher rates of postoperative complications in complex abdominal wall reconstructions (CAWRs).

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent CAWR at Emory University Hospital over a 12-year period. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts based on BMI (15-24.9, 25-29.9, 30-34.9, and ≥35 kg/m). Complication rates among the 4 groups were evaluated as the primary outcome using Pearson χ analysis. Further analysis was done on specific complications including mesh exposure, skin necrosis, delayed healing, rate of fistula formation, seroma, hematoma, infection, rate of recurrence, and rate of reoperation.

We included 313 patients with a mean follow-up of 15.6 months. The rate of overall complications demonstrated a nonsignificant increase with BMI of 15 to 24.9, 25 to 29.9, 30 to 34.9, and 35 kg/m or greater (31.7%, 35.0%, 47.6%, and 48.3%; P = 0.079, respectively). The rate of skin necrosis was significantly increased in the higher BMI groups (1.7%, 1.3%, 9.5%, and 13.5%; P = 0.004). The rate of ventral hernia recurrence was significantly increased in the higher BMI groups (8.3%, 12.5%, 29.8%, and 27.0%; P = 0.002). Rates of reoperation were also statistically increased in the higher BMI groups (25.0%, 22.5%, 41.7%, and 34.8%; P = 0.035). Rates of mesh exposure, delayed healing, fistula formation, seroma, hematoma, and infection were not statistically significant among the 4 BMI groups.

Patients undergoing CAWR with BMIs greater than 30 kg/m have significantly higher rates of skin necrosis, hernia recurrence, and reoperation compared with subgroups of lower BMI. Rates of overall complications among all BMI groups are similar, although trended up with BMI. Surgeons should weight the risks and benefits of CAWR in patients with higher BMIs to reduce specific postoperative complications.