THE IMPACT OF ANEMIA ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INCISIONAL HERNIA, PROSPECTIVE STUDY

An incisional hernia is a common postoperative complication following abdominal surgery, influenced by various contributing factors, including the patient's comorbidities and the surgical technique used. The role of perioperative anemia in the development of incisional hernia remains insufficiently studied. The aim of the study is to determine the role of anemia in the manifestation of incisional hernia.

The study included patients who underwent either elective or emergency abdominal surgery. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 18 months. The patients were classified into two groups: those with anemia (preoperative or within the early postoperative period) and those without anemia. The primary outcome of the study was the development of incisional hernia during the follow-up observation period, while the secondary outcomes included wound complications and recurrence.

The incidence Incisional hernia was significantly higher in the anemic group compared to the non-anemic group: 39.2% vs. 8.1% respectively Surgical site infection significantly more frequent in the anemia group - 10 (12.66%) vs. 4 (1.91%); p=0.008). Wound dehiscence was also statistically significantly higher among anemic patients - 4 (5.06%) vs. 2 (0.96%), p=0.030. The mean length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the anemia group (6+1.2 vs. 4+0.9 days, p<0.0001). Anemia - OR=6.804(95% CI:3.249-14.249), duration of surgery - OR=1.045(95% I:1.009-1.082), and female gender OR=3.054(95% CI:1.434-6.504) increased the risk of developing postoperative hernia.

 Anemia, whether present preoperatively or within the first 72 hours after the surgery, significantly increases risks of incisional hernia following abdominal surgery (OR=3.054(95% CI:1.434-6.504).  Early identification and correction of anemia may serve as a preventive strategy for surgical patients at risk of developing incisional hernia.