Risk Factors for Wound Infections after Vascular Surgery: Kuwait Experience

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Wound infections represent a serious complication after vascular surgery particularly after vascular reconstructive procedures. We aimed to identify risk factors predisposing patients to these complications. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a retrospective review of open vascular surgical procedures performed between April 2014 and March 2019 in Kuwait. Patient demographics, procedures performed and their indications, and post-operative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Patients with pre-operative active infections were excluded from the analysis. Statistical analysis was performed, and odds ratios (ORs) and relative risks were calculated for the outcomes of interest. Fisher’s exact test and two-tailed <i>t</i> test were used where appropriate. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 391 patients were identified. The majority (54%) presented with chronic limb threatening ischemia. The mean age was 58 (±10) years, with a male predominance (76%). Wound infection occurred in 53 (14%) patients. The most commonly isolated organism was <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (47%). Diabetes (OR 8.03, 95% CI: 1.9142–33.7439, <i>p</i> = 0.0044), hypertension (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.2960–4.3684, <i>p</i> = 0.0052), ischemic heart disease (OR 2.30, 95% CI: 1.4349–4.6987, <i>p</i> = 0.0016), hyperlipidemia (OR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.0305–4.3620, <i>p</i> = 0.0412), and chronic renal failure (OR 2.55, 95% CI: 1.0181–6.4115, <i>p</i> = 0.0457) were all found to be significantly associated with the development of post-operative wound infections in vascular surgery patients. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and chronic renal failure were associated with post-operative wound infections. Anticipation of wound complications in patients with these risk factors may aid early diagnosis and treatment.