The use of component separation during abdominal wall reconstruction in contaminated fields: A case-control analysis

Background Component separation technique (CST) allows fascial medialization during abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Wound contamination increases the incidence of wound complications, which multiplies the incidence of repair failure. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of CST on AWR outcomes in contaminated fields in comparison to those operations without CST. Methods A prospective, single institution hernia database was queried for patients undergoing AWR with CST and contamination. A case control cohort was identified using propensity score matching. Results There were 286 CSTs performed in contaminated cases. After propensity score matching, 61 CSTs were compared to 61 No-CSTs. These groups were matched by defect area (CST:287.1 ± 150.4 vs No-CST:277.6 ± 218.4 cm2, p = 0.156), BMI (32.0 ± 7.0 vs 32.2 ± 6.0 kg/m2, p = 0.767), diabetes (26.2% vs 32.8%, p = 0.427), and panniculectomy (52.5% vs 36.1%, p = 0.068). Groups had similar rates of wound complications (42.6% vs 40.7%, p = 0.829) and recurrence (4.9% vs 13.1%, p = 0.114). Conclusions The use of CST in the face of contamination is not associated with an increase in wound complications, mesh complications, or recurrence.