Abdominal re-operations: Prevalence in elective and emergency surgery

Background The word “re-laparotomy” defines the surgical procedure in which the abdominal cavity is re-explored to resolve the complications of the disease or initial surgery. Objective To determine the prevalence of abdominal re-operations in patients undergoing elective and emergency surgery in the General Hospital of Matamoros. Material and methods A retrospective, observational, longitudinal study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients with a re-operation from January 2014 to January 2015, statistically analysing the variables: age, sex, type of surgery, complications, and postoperative course. Results A total of 21 re-operated patients were found, the majority of whom were women (52.38%). The cases were more common in ages between 70 and 79 years old, in both sexes. Almost two-thirds (61.91%) of re-operations were after an emergency surgery. The residual abscess (23.8%) and evisceration (23.8%) were the most frequent indications for re-intervention. There were postoperative complications in 23.8%, with wound dehiscence (60%) being the most frequent. There was an 85.6% survival rate after the re-intervention. Conclusions The study showed a low incidence of re-interventions and a low mortality. There is evidence of major occurrence of abdominal re-interventions in advanced ages, in female patients, and emergency surgery.