Stoma closure and wound infection: an evaluation of risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the infection rate in the nonstoma wound in patients who undergo stoma closure.


METHODS
Chart review.


METHODS
A tertiary-care hospital.


METHODS
Ninety-five patients who underwent elective closure of an abdominal wall stoma requiring a separate abdominal incision.


METHODS
Elective general surgery procedures.


METHODS
Wound infection rate.


RESULTS
The overall wound infection rate was 29%. Primary wound closure was associated with a markedly increased wound infection rate (41%) compared with delayed primary or secondary wound closure (15%). No other preoperative factor specifically predicted a high rate of postoperative nonstoma wound infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The nonstoma wound during elective closure of an abdominal stoma is at high risk for infection postoperatively. Delayed primary or secondary closure may lessen this risk.
Hackam
D J
DJ
Department of Surgery, Toronto Hospital, ON.
Rotstein
O D
OD
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003125:Colostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011292:Premedication; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents