Incisional hernia after abdominal surgery in infants: A retrospective analysis of incidence and risk factors
jpedsurg.org shows its articles on its own site.
Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Feb 2021 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Retrospective study of 2,055 infants finding 5.2% incidence of incisional hernia after abdominal surgery, with highest rates in necrotizing enterocolitis (12%), gastroschisis (19%), and omphalocele (17%). Key risk factors include wound infection, preterm birth, and history of stoma, while 15% of hernias resolved without surgical intervention.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
Incisional hernia (IH) is a complication following abdominal surgery extensively studied in adults but less so in infants. This study aimed to identify the incidence, high risk diseases and risk factors of IH following abdominal surgery in infants.
Methods
Infants undergoing abdominal surgery before the age of three years in our tertiary centre between 1998 and 2018 were included. Patient demographics, peri‑operative details and the course during follow up were retrospectively extracted from patient records. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors.
Results
The incidence of incisional hernia was 5.2% (107/2055). Necrotizing enterocolitis (12%), gastroschisis (19%), and omphalocele (17%) had the highest incidences of IH. Wound infection (OR: 5.3, 95%-CI:2.9–9.5), preterm birth (OR: 4.2, 95%-CI:2.6–6.7) and history of stoma (OR 1.7, 95%-CI:1.1–2.8) were significant risk factors for IH. Whilst age at surgery, surgical approach and total number of operations did not significantly influence IH development. The IH resolved in 15% (16/107) without surgery.
Conclusion
One in twenty infants experiences IH following abdominal surgery, which is higher than previously described. Understanding the incidence of IH and associated risk factors will allow physicians to identify infants that may be at increased risk for IH and to possibly act pre-emptively.