Analysis of risk factors of abdominal wound dehiscence after radical cystectomy

Wound dehiscence is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors and comorbidities in the patients undergoing radical cystectomy with early postoperative wound dehiscence.

In all, 539 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion at a single center between January 2008 and January 2022 were included in the study. The data related to the demographics, medical history, and perioperative clinical features were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for wound dehiscence.

The mean age of the patients was 64.2 years (22-91). The mean body mass index was 26.4 kg/m2 (18.7-35.4). Wound dehiscence was observed in 43 (7.9%) of 539 patients. The patients with wound dehiscence had significantly higher mean BMI (27.8 vs. 26.3, p=0.006), ASA scores (p=0.002), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (30.2 vs. 14.3%, p=0.006), diabetes mellitus (44.2 vs. 17.9%, p=0.003), previous abdominal surgery (18.6 vs. 7.7%, p=0.014), and postoperative ileus (58.1 vs. 16.9%, p=0.006). In the multivariable regression model, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 4.9, 95%CI 2.3-10.1; p<0.001), postoperative ileus (OR 8.1, 95%CI 4.1-16.5; p<0.001), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.2-5.7; p=0.013) were independent predictors of abdominal wound dehiscence following radical cystectomy.

Diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and postoperative ileus were strongly associated with abdominal wound dehiscence following radical cystectomy. Both potential preventive and therapeutic interventions may decrease the risk of wound dehiscence.