Published online Nov 27, 2023. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i11.2579
Peer-review started: July 17, 2023
First decision: August 8, 2023
Revised: August 13, 2023
Accepted: October 27, 2023
Article in press: October 27, 2023
Published online: November 27, 2023
Processing time: 133 Days and 8.7 Hours
Core Tip: This paper highlights the risk factors associated with post-operative infectious complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing abdominal surgery and explores management strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. Key findings include the association of hypoalbuminemia, malnutrition, preoperative abscess, obesity, and perioperative blood transfusion with increased infectious complications. Corticosteroids were found to be a risk factor, while medications such as 5-aminosalicylates and immunomodulators did not increase complications. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab showed comparable rates of infectious complications to other treatments. The impact of minimally invasive surgery on complications varied. This paper emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach involving multiple disciplines to mitigate post-operative infections in IBD patients. Understanding these risk factors and implementing appropriate management strategies can improve outcomes in this patient population.