# Risk Factors for Postoperative Wound Infections in Patients with Brain Tumors Without Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Therapy: A Ten-Year Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

## TL;DR

This study identifies platelet count and partial thromboplastin time as risk factors for postoperative wound infections in brain tumor patients not on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific laboratory parameters as risk factors for wound infections in brain tumor surgery patients not on anticoagulant therapy.

## Key findings

- Postoperative wound infections occurred in 3.17% of 1480 brain tumor surgery patients.
- Platelet count and partial thromboplastin time were significant risk factors for wound infections.
- Demographic factors and common comorbidities were not significantly associated with wound healing disorders.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify risk factors for postoperative wound infections and healing disorders in patients with brain tumors, based on a large, single-center analysis, and to establish an evidence-based foundation for prevention. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1480 patients who underwent intracranial tumor resection in our department over a ten-year period, without the influence of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Potential predictors of wound healing disorders were evaluated, focusing on demographic variables and pre-existing conditions. Results: Among the 1480 patients, postoperative wound infections occurred in 47 cases, corresponding to a cumulative incidence of 3.17%. Platelet count (p = 0.018) and partial thromboplastin time (p = 0.011) emerged as potential risk factors for postoperative wound infections. Length of hospital stay appeared as a distinct outcome-associated marker in cases of postoperative wound infection (p = 0.018). In contrast, demographic characteristics (age, sex, blood type), comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, chronic inflammatory conditions), and other surgical or laboratory parameters showed no significant association with wound healing disorders. Conclusions: In patients with brain tumors undergoing surgery without the influence of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, most demographic factors, common comorbidities, and selected laboratory parameters were not associated with an increased risk of postoperative wound infections. Awareness of the identified risk factors may help guide preventive strategies and nursing care.