Risk factors for wound complications in morbidly obese women undergoing primary cesarean delivery

Abstract

Objective: To determine factors influencing separation and infectious type wound complications (WCs) in morbidly obese women undergoing primary cesarean delivery (CD). Methods: Retrospective cohort study evaluating infectious and separation WC in morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] > 35 kg/m²) women undergoing primary CD between January 1994 and December 2008. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Student’s t tests used to assess associated factors; backward logistic regression to determine unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. Results: Of 623 women, low transverse skin incisions were performed in 588 (94.4%), vertical in 35 (7%). Overall WC rate was 13.5%, which varied by incision type (vertical 45.7% vs. 11.6% transverse; p < 0.01), but not BMI class. Incision type and unscheduled CD were associated with infection risk, while incision type, BMI, race and drain use were associated with wound separation. Conclusion: In morbidly obese women both infectious and separation type WC are more common in vertical than low transverse incisions; therefore transverse should be preferred.

Keywords::

• Cesarean section
• incision
• infection
• maternal obesity
• wound complications

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflict of interest.