Wound Complication and Surgical Site Infection in Sarcoma Patients Undergoing Internal Hemipelvectomy

Abstract

Background Hemipelvectomy is associated with a significant risk of wound complications, including infections, bleeding, and injuries to nearby neurovascular structures as well as the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract. This study aimed to determine the patient characteristics and approach to treatment that could affect the occurrence of surgical site infection or wound complications in sarcoma patients who have undergone hemipelvectomy. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 33 adult patients who underwent hemipelvectomy at a large tertiary academic cancer center from 2008 to 2016. We used χ 2 (exact Fisher) test to investigate the association between wound complication and categorical variables. We used a t test to evaluate the difference in numerical variables for outcomes. Results Among 33 patients, 12 patients (36.4%) experienced wound complications after hemipelvectomy. The average age of patients with wound complications was 63.3 years (57.1 ± 15.4 years), significantly higher than that of patients without wound complications (P = 0.004). Without adjustment, the use of computer navigation had a lower wound complication rate (P = 0.027). Patients with wound complications had longer hospital length of stay (14.8 vs 7.0 days, P = 0.016). Patient and surgical characteristics were not associated with surgical site infection. Five patients (15%) developed surgical site infection, and they had longer hospital stay (19.4 vs 8.1 days, P = 0.001). Conclusion Older patients undergoing hemipelvectomy are at an increased risk of developing wound complications with a prolonged hospital stay. Initial antimicrobial therapy for suspected surgical site infection should include broad-spectrum coverage to include skin and gastrointestinal flora.