Risk factors for wound infection after surgery in primary oral cavity cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have discussed the predictive factors of surgical wound infection (WI) in primary oral cavity cancer patients. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relevant factors associated with postoperative WI in a large group of patients with oral cavity cancers.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1,693 chart records of oral cavity cancer patients. Twenty variables were obtained from chart review. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and a multiple logistic regression model for investigating the predictive factors for WI.

RESULTS

Postoperative WI rate was 19.8%. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]: 2.511, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.409-4.475), perioperative blood transfusion (OR: 4.293, 95% CI: 2.448-7.529), reconstruction with free flap or pectoris major myocutaneous flap (OR: 3.682, 95% CI: 1.909-7.102), and postoperative serum albumin level less than 2.8 g/dL (OR: 2.853, 95% CI: 1.928-4.221) were all independent factors associated with postoperative WI.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of relevant factors can help surgeons to identify those at high risk of WI after surgery for primary oral cavity cancer and can enable better management of such cases.