Post operative wound gape in obstetric and gynaecological surgeries

Background: Despite advances made in asepsis, post operative wound infection is one of the major causes for increased postoperative morbidity and huge economic burden for patient and healthcare. This study was undertaken to identify risk factors for the post operative wound gaping in obstetrical and gynaecological surgeries.Methods: Retrospective observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya Shatabdi hospital, Govandi, Mumbai for the year 2022.Results: 1611 cases were analysed that underwent various obstetrical and gynaecological surgeries. Post operative wound gaping incidence was 1.5 %. Most of the cases were seen in less than 34 years of age. 21% of cases reported with wound gaping and discharge within 5-7 days of surgery while 79% of cases reported gape after 7 days of surgery. 54% cases with wound gape were obstetric. The most commonly known associated risk factor was found to be diabetes mellitus (12.5%) followed by anaemia (8.3%), obesity (4.2%) and hypertension (4.2%). 62.49% of post operative surgical wound gape were multiparous. It is seen that in all these cases of wound gape the subcutaneous tissue was sutured separately as a layer with absorbable suture material- Vicryl no 1-0 or Vicryl no 2-0.Conclusions: Factors affecting post operative wound gaping are diabetes mellitus, anaemia, hypertension, obesity, chemoprophylaxis given prior to surgery, surgical method of wound closure and type of surgery. Standard wound closure techniques, correction of the avoidable known risk factors would provide a better outcome.

Extra abdominal mammary fibromatosis (Desmoid tumor) of breast in an elderly female.

The extra-abdominal form of desmoid tumor is very rare and the incidence of mammary desmoid tumor is <0.2% of primary breast neoplasm. We report a case of mammary fibromatosis in an elderly female in which no associated risk factor was discernible. After simple mastectomy as per the patient’s wish, in view of posterior margin positivity, adjuvant radiotherapy was given. The patient has remained recurrence free after one year of follow up.