Stoma closure and wound infection: an evaluation of risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the infection rate in the nonstoma wound in patients who undergo stoma closure.

DESIGN

Chart review.

SETTING

A tertiary-care hospital.

PATIENTS

Ninety-five patients who underwent elective closure of an abdominal wall stoma requiring a separate abdominal incision.

INTERVENTIONS

Elective general surgery procedures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Wound infection rate.

RESULTS

The overall wound infection rate was 29%. Primary wound closure was associated with a markedly increased wound infection rate (41%) compared with delayed primary or secondary wound closure (15%). No other preoperative factor specifically predicted a high rate of postoperative nonstoma wound infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The nonstoma wound during elective closure of an abdominal stoma is at high risk for infection postoperatively. Delayed primary or secondary closure may lessen this risk.