Influence of High BMI on Wound Complications in Open Paraumbilical Hernia Repair

Abstract

Background: A paraumbilical hernia is a very common defect of the abdominal wall that is often repaired with open surgery.

Objective: To assess the effect of high BMI on the incidence of postoperative wound complications in open paraumbilical hernia surgery in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbotabad, from September, 2025 to February 2026. The patients were selected using a non-probability consecutive sampling method, and 120 patients aged 18-70 years who were undergoing elective open repair of paraumbilical hernia were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 46.8 ± 11.5 years, and 56.7% were female. Of the 120 patients, 28.3% had normal BMI, 31.7% were overweight, and 40.0% were obese. Patients had overall postoperative wound complications in 28.3%. The most frequent complications were surgical site infection (12.5%), seroma formation (7.5%), wound dehiscence (5.0%), and hematoma (3.3%).

Conclusion: BMI is a significant risk factor for postoperative wound complications after open repair of paraumbilical hernia.