Smoking is a risk factor for incisional hernia.
OBJECTIVE
A number of risk factors for incisional hernia have been identified, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. Based on previous findings of smoking as a risk factor for wound complications and recurrence of groin hernia, we studied whether smoking is associated with incisional hernia.


METHODS
Cohort study. Clinical follow-up study for incisional hernia 33 to 57 months following laparotomy for gastrointestinal disease. Variables predictive for incisional hernia were assessed by multiple regression analysis.


METHODS
Department of Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.


METHODS
All 916 patients undergoing laparotomy from 1997 through 1998. Surgeons performed clinical examination in 310 patients; patients who failed to meet for examination, died, or were lost to follow-up were excluded.


METHODS
Thirty-four variables related to patient history, preoperative clinical condition, operative severity and findings, and the surgeon's training.


RESULTS
The incidence of incisional hernia was 26% (81/310). Smokers had a 4-fold higher risk of incisional hernia (odds ratio [OR], 3.93 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.82-8.49]) independent of other risk factors and confounders. Relaparotomy was the strongest factor associated with hernia (OR, 5.89 [95% CI, 1.78-19.48]). Other risk factors were postoperative wound complications (OR, 3.91 [95% CI, 1.99-7.66]), age (OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02-1.06]), and male sex (OR, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.21-3.91]).


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking is a significant risk factor for incisional hernia in line with relaparotomy, postoperative wound complications, older age, and male sex.
Sørensen
Lars Tue
LT
Department of Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. lts@dadlnet.dk
Hemmingsen
Ulla B
UB
Kirkeby
Lene T
LT
Kallehave
Finn
F
Jørgensen
Lars Nannestad
LN
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology