The Identification of Risk Factors in the Development of Wound Healing Complications in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients

Abstract

Wound‐healing complications (WHCs) remain a significant challenge in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) surgery, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalisation, and impaired functional outcomes. This study aimed to identify predictors of WHC development in STS patients to improve therapeutic strategies and patient recovery. We conducted a single‐institution, retrospective analysis of 318 STS patients treated between April 2019 and June 2021. Variables assessed included demographic data, tumour characteristics, treatment modalities, surgical interventions, and follow‐up outcomes. Statistical analyses used chi‐square tests, Kaplan–Meier estimates, and multivariate regression. WHCs occurred in 30.8% of patients. Significant negative predictors included high tumour grade (p = 0.018), presence of metastasis (p < 0.001), bone tissue resection (p = 0.005), number of revision procedures (p < 0.001), secondary wound closure (p < 0.001), and tumour relapse frequency (p = 0.012). WHCs were also associated with increased risk of death (p = 0.004) and longer initial hospitalisation (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy showed a protective effect when stratified by tumour grade. Patients with high‐grade tumours and multiple surgical interventions represent a high‐risk group for WHC development. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing treatment reevaluation and suggest that chemotherapy may offer beneficial outcomes in selected cases.