Risk Factors for Dehiscence of Operative Incisions in Newborns after Laparotomy

Background Surgical wound dehiscence (SWD) in neonates is a life-threatening complication. The aim was to define risk factors of postoperative incision dehiscence in this population. Methods Data of 144 patients from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. All full-term newborns or preterm newborns up to 42 weeks of amenorrhea (adjusted) who had a laparotomy within 30 days were included. Descriptive patient information and perioperative data were collected. SWD was defined as any separation of cutaneous edges of postoperative wounds. Results Overall, SWD occurred in 16/144 (11%) patients, with a significantly increased incidence in preterm newborns (13/59, 22%) compared with full-term newborns (3/85, 4%; p