Incisional Hernia Following Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Incidence and Risk Factors at a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

(1) Background: Incisional hernia (IH) is one of the most common complications following open abdominal surgery. There is scarce evidence on its real incidence following pancreatic surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and the risk factors associated with IH development in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). (2) Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing PD between 2014 and 2020 at our centre. Data were extracted from a prospectively held database, including perioperative and long-term factors. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to detect those factors potentially associated with IH development. (3) Results: The incidence of IH was 8.8% (19/213 patients). Median age was 67 (33–85) years. BMI was 24.9 (14–41) and 184 patients (86.4%) underwent PD for malignant disease. Median follow-up was 23 (6–111) months. Median time to IH development was 31 (13–89) months. Six (31.5%) patients required surgical repair. Following univariate and multivariate analysis, preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.24–9.16, p = 0.01) and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.06–8.14, p = 0.049) were the only factors independently associated with the development of IH. (4) Conclusions: The incidence of IH following PD was 8.8% in a tertiary care center. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia and obesity are independently associated with IH occurrence following PD.