Description

Dunne et al evaluated risk factors for surgical site infection and hospital length of stay associated with repair of an abdominal wall hernia. A patient with one or more risk factors may benefit from interventions to reduce risk prior to an elective procedure. The authors are from the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System in Baltimore.


Patient selection: military veteran (99% male), age 60 +/- 14 years

 

Rate of wound infection: 4.3%

 

Risk factors for surgical site infection:

(1) hypoalbuminemia

(2) COPD

 

Risk factors for increased hospital length of stay

(1) hypoalbuminemia

(2) COPD

(3) coronary artery disease (CAD)

(4) steroid use


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