Abdominal Wall Morbidity Following Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Abdominal Surgery

Background:

• Incisional hernias occur in up to 20% of patients after midline laparotomy.
• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may impede wound healing.
• The study investigates hernia and abdominal wall rupture incidence after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of incisional hernia formation.
• To assess abdominal wall rupture rates.
• To identify risk factors for these complications following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data.
• Inclusion of consecutive patients with peritoneal metastases.
• Procedures performed at Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tuebingen.

Main Results:

• 271 patients underwent cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
• 19% incisional hernias and 11% abdominal wall ruptures were observed.
• Pseudomyxoma peritonei/mesothelioma and postoperative abdominal wall rupture are independent risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy are not necessarily linked to increased hernia incidence.
• Patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei or mesothelioma are at higher risk.
• Postoperative abdominal wall rupture is a significant risk factor for incisional herniation.