Outcomes in obese patients undergoing rib stabilization at a single institution over 9 years

Background: We hypothesized that obese patients undergoing rib stabilization would have a smaller ratio of ribs repaired to those fractured, increased days to operation, increased length of operation, were mechanically ventilated longer, required a longer stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital, and had an increased risk of developing pneumonia. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent surgical rib stabilization after trauma at a single institution over 9 years. Two hundred and seventy-three patients were divided according to body mass index (BMI) into three groups: group 1 (BMI: 15–29, n = 149), Group 2 (BMI: 30–35, n = 80), and Group 3 (BMI: 35–48, n = 44). Analysis of variance was performed to evaluate differences in outcomes in association with BMI. Two-tail t-tests were further utilized to compare Group 1 and Group 3. Results are reported in P values, with P < 0.05 being significant. Results: Sixty-eight percent were male, the mean age was 61, and 96% were Caucasian. Comorbidities: asthma (15%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12%), smokers (22%), hypertension (40%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (15%). Patients with a higher BMI had a longer average hospital length of stay (12.0, 13.4, and 15.6 days, P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative pneumonia was increased in those with a higher BMI (10%, 12%, and 30%, P < 0.05). The remaining variables were not significant. Conclusion: Those with a higher BMI had a longer hospital stay and were at increased risk for developing pneumonia after rib stabilization. BMI did not have a significant effect on the ratio of ribs stabilized, time to operation, length of operation, days on mechanical ventilation, or ICU length of stay.