Risk factors for the development of flank hernias and bulges following surgical flank approaches to the kidney in adults

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for the development of flank incisional hernias or bulges following surgical flank approaches to the kidney. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 100 consecutive adult patients who underwent variable renal surgeries via flank approaches were included in this prospective study. The incidence and risk factors for flank hernias and bulges were studied at 1- and 6-months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 months postoperatively, the incidence of flank bulge was 14% and for lumbar hernia was 10%. The univariate analysis showed 13 significant factors to be associated with the occurrence of a flank bulge or hernia following flank incisions. When the significant risk factors in the univariate analysis were studied by multivariate analysis, using a logistic regression analysis, four independent risk factors were identified. These were: body mass index (BMI) ≥26.3 kg/m(2) (P = 0.04), the use of a self-retaining retractor during surgery (P = 0.02), not preserving or identifying the neurovascular bundle (NVB) during surgery (P = 0.028), and postoperative abdominal distention (P = 0.001). Moreover, all cases included in our study who underwent en masse wound closure, developed surgical wound infection or who had constipation developed postoperative flank bulge or hernia. CONCLUSION: High BMI, the use of self-retaining retractor, not identifying or preserving the NVB, postoperative abdominal distention, en masse wound closure, surgical wound infection, and constipation are significant risk factors associated with postoperative flank hernia and bulge.