NIV Congres

Background Wound-related complications like surgical site infection (SSI) and lymphocele are accountable for significant morbidity after renal transplantation. The aim of our study was to investigate risk factors for wound-related complications after renal transplantation and the effect of wound-related complications on outcome of renal transplantation.

Methods This retrospective analysis includes 108 consecutive adult patients who underwent a kidney transplantation between January 2010 and December 2010 at our center. Wound-related complications were defined as an SSI or a symptomatic lymphocele. Patient and donor characteristics were investigated.

Results We observed wound-related complications in twelve patients (11%; eight lymphoceles and five SSI's). Independent risk factors for wound related complications that were identified by multivariate analysis were recipient age > 70 years (odds ratio (OR) 16.0; P = 0.015), BMI > 30 kg/m2 (OR 15,8; P = 0.007), hypertensive nephropathy as cause of end-stage renal disease (OR 15,0; P = 0.009), urinary tract infection (OR 7.3; P = 0.042) and prolonged post-operative wound drainage (OR 15.3; P = 0.028). Wound-related complications lead to a prolonged hospital stay (22.8 ± 14.2 days versus 12.2 ± 5.1 days; P = 0,009), but did not result in increased incidence of delayed graft function, acute cellular rejection, graft failure or patient mortality.

Conclusions Obesity, high recipient age, hypertensive nephropathy, urinary tract infections and prolonged wound drainage are independent risk factors for wound-related complications. Additionally, wound-related complications are associated with impaired renal function and prolonged hospital stay. Graft and patient survival are comparable in patients with and without wound-related complications.