Risk factors for organ/space surgical site infection after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in 359 recent cases.

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs), particularly organ/space SSIs, remain a common cause of major morbidity after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Risk factors for SSIs were analyzed in 359 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 2001 and 2010. The causative bacteria, management, outcome, and characteristics of organ/space SSIs were investigated.

RESULTS

Anatomic hepatectomy was performed for 296 patients (82.5%), and repeat hepatectomy was carried out for 59 patients (16.4%). SSIs developed in 52 patients (14.5%; incisional, 24 cases; organ/space, 31 cases [3 patients showed both incisional and organ/space SSIs]). No in-hospital mortality related to incisional or organ/space SSIs was encountered. Independent risk factors for SSIs were repeat hepatectomy and operative time ≥ 280 min. Independent risk factors for organ/space SSIs were repeat hepatectomy and bile leakage. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected more frequently in organ/space SSIs after repeat hepatectomy than after initial hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat hepatectomy and bile leakage represent independent risk factors for organ/space SSIs after hepatectomy for HCC. Establishing treatment strategies is important for preventing postoperative bile leakage and reducing the high rate of organ/space SSIs after repeat hepatectomy.