Assessing the Influence of Intraoperative Core Body Temperature on Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism after Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a dangerous postoperative complication after abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Intraoperative core body temperature has been associated with thrombotic events in other surgical contexts. This study examines the effects of intraoperative temperature on VTE rate after AWR.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on AWR patients. Cohorts were defined by postoperative 30-day VTE. Intraoperative core body temperature was recorded as the minimum, maximum, and mean intraoperative temperatures. Study variables were analyzed with logistic regression and cutoff analysis to assess for association with VTE.

Results: In total, 344 patients met inclusion criteria. Fourteen patients were diagnosed with 30-day VTE for an incidence of 4.1%. The VTE cohort had a longer median inpatient stay (8 days versus 5 days, < 0.001) and greater intraoperative change in peak inspiratory pressure (3 mm HO versus 1 mm HO, = 0.01) than the non-VTE cohort. Operative duration [odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, = 0.01], length of stay (OR = 1.07, = 0.001), and intraoperative PIP difference (OR = 1.18, = 0.045) were significantly associated with 30-day VTE on univariable regression. Immunocompromised status (OR = 4.1, = 0.023; OR = 4.0, = 0.025) and length of stay (OR = 1.1, < 0.001; OR = 1.1, < 0.001) were significant predictors of 30-day VTE on two multivariable regression models. No significant associations were found between temperature metrics and 30-day VTE on cutoff point or regression analysis.

Conclusions: Intraoperative core body temperature did not associate with 30-day VTE after AWR, though operative duration, length of stay, immunocompromised status, and intraoperative PIP difference did. Surgeons should remain mindful of VTE risk after AWR, and future research is warranted to elucidate all contributing factors.