Key result
Obesity in patients undergoing abdominal surgery was associated with a significantly higher rate of wound infections (23.84% vs 10.11%, OR 2.89) compared to non-obese patients.
Why the study?
Obesity significantly impacts surgical outcomes and increases postoperative complication risks, particularly in abdominal surgery, prompting evaluation of its prevalence and clinical associations.
Does obesity increase the risk of postoperative complications in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery?
Cross-Sectional (n=428)
No
Does obesity increase the risk of postoperative complications in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery?
Odds Ratio: 2.89 (95% CI 1.61–5.19)
Absolute Event Rate: 23.84% vs 10.11%
p-value: p=0.001
In patients undergoing abdominal surgery, obesity is highly prevalent (35.28%) and is significantly associated with increased risks of postoperative complications, including wound infections and venous thromboembolism, as well as longer hospital stays.
Obesity was associated with higher wound infection rates after abdominal surgery; supports risk stratification but leaves open whether interventions reduce events.
Background Obesity significantly impacts surgical outcomes, increasing the risk of postoperative complications, especially in abdominal surgery. Objective To determine the prevalence of obesity among patients undergoing abdominal surgery and to explore its association with postoperative complications. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2023. There were 428 adult patients in total, either for emergency or elective abdominal surgery. A BMI of ≥30 kg/m² was used by the World Health Organization to define obesity. We gathered and examined data on postoperative complications, surgical outcomes, comorbidities, and demographics. Chi-square and t-tests were used to assess the prevalence of obesity and its relationship to complications; a p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results Among 428 patients, 151 (35.28%) were obese. Obese patients had significantly higher rates of wound infections, with 36 (23.84%) compared to 28 (10.11%) non-obese patients (p = 0.001). Venous thromboembolism occurred in 18 (11.92%) obese patients versus nine (3.25%) non-obese patients (p = 0.002). Respiratory complications were more frequent in obese patients, with 27 (17.88%) compared to 31 (11.19%) non-obese patients (p = 0.045). Prolonged hospital stays (>7 days) were reported in 52 (34.44%) obese patients versus 39 (14.08%) non-obese patients (p < 0.001). Additionally, obesity was associated with longer surgery durations (124.35 ± 35.82 minutes in obese patients versus 108.65 ± 29.44 minutes in non-obese patients, p = 0.003) and extended recovery times (11.58 ± 5.67 days versus 8.73 ± 4.25 days, p = 0.002). Conclusion Patients having abdominal surgery are often obese, which is linked to an increased risk of complications and lengthier recovery times.
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Munir et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Abdominal surgery (n=428). Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) vs. Non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m²) was evaluated on Wound infection (AOR 2.89, 95% CI 1.61-5.19, p=0.001). Obesity in patients undergoing abdominal surgery was associated with a significantly higher rate of wound infections (23.84% vs 10.11%, OR 2.89) compared to non-obese patients.
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