A RECENTLY published review examined the impact of obesity, diabetes, and smoking on surgical outcomes for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The study analyzed 12 studies to assess complication rates associated with these comorbidities.
The review found that obesity was linked to increased complication rates in three out of 10 studies. Specifically, one study reported associations with dehiscence and readmission following flap reconstruction, debridement, and skin-grafting procedures. Another study noted a connection between obesity and dehiscence, while a third identified delayed wound healing.
Regarding diabetes, only 1 of 5 studies reported higher hospital readmission rates for patients undergoing debridement or flap reconstruction. Notably, none of the studies evaluating smoking found an increased risk of surgical complications.
The authors emphasized the need for consistent analysis and reporting of surgical outcomes in patients with HS with these comorbidities. They advocate for rigorous clinical trials to validate these findings and improve surgical access for this patient population.
Reference: Shams RB et al. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgery Complication Rates Among Patients With Obesity or Diabetes or Who Smoke: A Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2025. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.5731.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
