We assumed that an obese patient has a high rate of postoperative wounds, but there is no objective data showing the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and the rate of postoperative wounds in Korea. We describe the relationship of BMI and rates of postoperative wound complications.

From September 2005 to February 2006, 772 patients undergoing elective gastrectomy surgery due to gastric cancer were enrolled in a retrospective study to measure postoperative wound complications. A preoperative history, physical examination and daily progress notes were reviewed retrospectively from the medical records. Postoperative wound complications were detected from the elective medical record and from a doctor in charge statement.

The total number of patients was 772, the mean age of the patients was 57+/-11.2 years and the sex ratio (male/female) was 1.82:1. Postoperative wound complication rates were different among the BMI groups (BMI<20 kg/m2 vs 20< or =BMI< or =25 kg/m2 vs >25 kg/m2), and patients with a BMI>25 kg/m2 that underwent gastrectomy had a significantly higher wound complication rate (4.6%) than underweight and normal weight patients (0.9% and 1.6%, respectively) (P=0.038).

Overall, there was a statistical correlation between BMI and the postoperative wound complication rate. Overweight (BMI>25 kg/m2) patients that underwent gastrectomy had a higher wound complication rate than normal body weight (BMI< or =25 kg/m2) patients. Further studies will be required with a larger population and prospectively designed study considering other factors that affect the wound complication rate.