Risk factors for wound healing complications after revascularization for MMD with complete Y-shaped incision

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic occlusive cerebrovascular disease that can be treated with revascularization. Surgery increases the risk of poor wound healing (PWH) due to the impact on the blood supply to the flap. We aimed to analyze risk factors for PWH in MMD with a complete Y-shaped incision. A total of 125 patients with MMD were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The wounds were assessed and measured on the third and seventh days after surgery. The mean age of these patients was 43.3 ± 10.0 years. The ratio of male to female was 1:1.3. 15 (12.0%) patients had incision complications. 5 patients (4.0%) had redness; 2 patients (1.6%) had swelling; 2 patients (1.6%) had fat necrosis; 3 patients (2.4%) had incision infection; and 3 patients (2.4%) had flap necrosis. Student’s t test showed significant differences in BMI ( P = 0.040) and fever time ( P = 0.050). The standard chi-squared test showed significant differences in incision infection ( P = 0.010), suture mode ( P = 0.047), and cutting off large branch vessels in the flap ( P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that incision infection ( P = 0.026, OR 12.958), using a skin stapler ( P = 0.030, OR 4.335), cutting off large branch vessels in the flap ( P = 0.009, OR 5.227), and BMI ( P = 0.027, OR 1.204) were risk factors. The area under the curve for risk factors for PWH on a receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.853. Incision infection, using a skin stapler, higher BMI, and cutting off large branch vessels in the flap are risk factors for PWH.