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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2011; 24(4): 283-290
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1295691
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Impact of Obesity on Surgical Site Infection in Colon and Rectal Surgery

Jon Stuart Hourigan1 , 2
  • 1Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky
  • 2Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Veteran Affairs Medical Center–Lexington, Lexington, Kentucky
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 December 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Obesity affects over 30% of the United States population. Over the past 10 years, there has been increased recognition of the prevalence of obesity and its contribution to worse outcomes among medical and surgical patients. In particular, obesity has been validated as a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI) among patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with some reports demonstrating an increased risk of SSI as high as sixty percent (60%) among obese patients. For patients undergoing elective colon and rectal surgery, a higher incidence of SSI (up to 45%) has been reported in comparison to outcomes of other surgical procedures. Obesity, as well as numerous other variables, have been implicated as a potential source for this increased incidence. Although the pathophysiology of obesity-related SSI has been suggested (decreased wound oxygen tension, impaired tissue antibiotic penetration, altered immune function, etc.), the true effect of obesity has not been clearly described. The purpose of this review is to examine the growing epidemic of obesity and its specific impact on SSI for both general and colorectal surgical patients. The proposed mechanisms for why obesity increases the risk of SSI will be briefly discussed, as well.

KEYWORDS

Obesity - surgical site infection - colectomy - colorectal surgery

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Jon Stuart HouriganM.D. 

Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center

800 Rose St., C-220, Lexington, KY 40536

Email: jshour2@uky.edu

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