Updated Markov Model to Determine Optimal Management Strategy for Patients with Paraesophageal Hernia and Symptoms, Cameron Ulcer, or Comorbid Conditions

BACKGROUND

The current paradigm of watchful waiting (WW) in people 65 years or older with an asymptomatic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) is based on a now 20-year-old Markov analysis. Recently, we have shown that elective laparoscopic hernia repair (ELHR) provides an increase in life-years (L-Ys) compared with WW in most healthy patients aged 40 to 90 years. However, elderly patients often have comorbid conditions and may have complications from their PEH such as Cameron lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal strategy, ELHR or WW, in these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A Markov model with updated variables was used to compare L-Ys gained with ELHR vs WW in hypothetical people with any type of PEH and symptoms, Cameron lesions, and/or comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

In men and women aged 40 to 90 years with PEH-related symptoms and/or Cameron lesions, ELHR led to an increase in L-Ys over WW. The presence of comorbid conditions impacted life expectancy overall, but ELHR remained the preferred approach in all but 90-year-old patients with symptoms but no Cameron lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a Markov model with updated values for key variables associated with management options for patients with a PEH, we showed that life expectancy was improved with ELHR in most men and women aged 40 to 90 years, particularly in the presence of symptoms and/or Cameron lesions. Comorbid conditions increase the risk for surgery, but ELHR remained the preferred strategy in the majority of symptomatic patients. This model can be used to provide individualized management guidance for patients with a PEH.

Elective Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Leads to an Increase in Life Expectancy Over Watchful Waiting in Asymptomatic Patients: An Updated Markov Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to perform an updated Markov analysis to determine the optimal management strategy for patients with an asymptomatic paraesophageal hernia (PEH): elective laparoscopic hernia repair (ELHR) versus watchful waiting (WW).

BACKGROUND

Currently, it is recommended that patients with an asymptomatic PEH not undergo repair based on a 20-year-old Markov analysis. The current recommendation might lead to preventable hospitalizations for acute PEH-related complications and compromised survival.

METHODS

A Markov model with updated variables was used to compare life-years (L-Ys) gained with ELHR versus WW in patients with a PEH. One-way sensitivity analyses evaluated the robustness of the analysis to alternative data inputs, while probabilistic sensitivity analysis quantified the level of confidence in the results in relation to the uncertainty across all model inputs.

RESULTS

At age 40 to 90, ELHR led to greater life expectancy than WW, particularly in women. The gain in L-Ys (2.6) was greatest in a 40-year-old woman and diminished with increasing age. Sensitivity analysis showed that alternative values resulted in modest changes in the difference in L-Ys, but ELHR remained the preferred strategy. Probabilistic analysis showed that ELHR was the preferred strategy in 100% of 10,000 simulations for age 65, 98% for age 80, 90% for age 85, and 59% of simulations in 90-year-old women.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated analysis showed that ELHR leads to an increase in L-Ys over WW in healthy patients aged 40 to 90 years with an asymptomatic PEH. In this new paradigm, all patients with a PEH, regardless of symptoms, should be referred for the consideration of elective repair to maximize their life expectancy.

Surgeon experience with insurance barriers to offering gastric bypass as an evidence-based operation for pathologic GERD

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent public health problem often associated with poorly controlled gastroesophageal reflux disease. Fundoplication has been shown to have limited long-term efficacy in patients with morbid obesity and does not address additional weight-related co-morbidities. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the gold standard operation for durable resolution of GERD in patients with obesity, and is also used as a salvage operation for GERD after prior foregut surgery. Surgeons report access to RYGB as surgical treatment for GERD is often limited by RYGB-specific benefit exclusions embedded within insurance policies, but the magnitude and scope of this problem is unknown.

METHODS

A 9-item survey evaluating surgeon practice and experience with insurance coverage for RYGB for GERD was developed and piloted by a SAGES Foregut Taskforce working group. This survey was then administered to surgeon members of the SAGES Foregut Taskforce and to surgeons participating in the SAGES Bariatrics and/or Foregut Facebook groups.

RESULTS

187 surgeons completed the survey. 89% reported using the RYGB as an anti-reflux procedure. 44% and 26% used a BMI of 35 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2 respectively as cutoff for the RYGB. 89% viewed RYGB as the procedure of choice for GERD after bariatric surgery. 69% reported using RYGB to address recurrent reflux secondary to failed fundoplication. 74% of responders experienced trouble with insurance coverage at least half the time RYGB was offered for GERD, and 8% reported they were never able to get approval for RYGB for GERD indications in their patient populations.

CONCLUSION

For many patients, GERD and obesity are related diseases that are best addressed with RYGB. However, insurance coverage for RYGB for GERD is often limited by policies which run contrary to evidence-based medicine. Advocacy is critical to improve access to appropriate surgical care for GERD in patients with obesity.

Expert Consensus for Key Features of Operative Reports of Ventral Hernia

BACKGROUND

Operative reports are important documents; however, standards for critical elements of operative reports are general and often vague. Hernia surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by general surgeons, so the aim of this project was to develop a Delphi consensus on critical elements of a ventral hernia repair operative report.

STUDY DESIGN

The Delphi method was used to establish consensus on key features of operative reports for ventral hernia repair. An expert panel was selected and questionnaires were distributed. The first round of voting was open-ended to allow participants to recommend what details should be included. For the second round the questionnaire was distributed with the items that did not have unanimous responses along with free text comments from the first round.

RESULTS

Eighteen surgeons were approached, of which 11 completed both rounds. Twenty items were on the initial questionnaire, of which 11 had 100% agreement. Of the remaining 9 items, after the second questionnaire an additional 7 reached consensus.

CONCLUSION

Ventral hernia repairs are a common and challenging problem and often require reoperations. Surgeons frequently refer to previous operative notes to guide future procedures, which requires detailed and comprehensive operative reports. This Delphi consensus was able to identify key components needed for an operative report describing ventral hernia repair.

A prospective, multicenter trial of a long-term bioabsorbable mesh with Sepra technology in cohort of challenging laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repairs (ATLAS trial)

BACKGROUND

This prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study evaluated P4HB-ST mesh in laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) in patients with Class I (clean) wounds at high risk for Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO).

METHODS

Primary endpoint was SSO requiring intervention <45 days. Secondary endpoints included: surgical procedure time, length of stay, SSO >45 days, hernia recurrence, device-related adverse events, reoperation, and Quality of Life at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24-months.

RESULTS

120 patients (52.5% male), mean age of 55.0 ± 14.9 years, and BMI of 33.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2 received P4HB-ST mesh. Patient-reported comorbid conditions included: obesity (86.7%), active smoker (45.0%), COPD (5.0%), diabetes (16.7%), immunosuppression (2.5%), coronary artery disease (7.5%), chronic corticosteroid use (2.5%), hypoalbuminemia (0.8%), advanced age (10.0%), and renal insufficiency (0.8%). Hernia types were primary ventral (44.2%), primary incisional (37.5%), recurrent ventral (5.8%), and recurrent incisional (12.5%). Patients underwent LVIHR in laparoscopic (55.8%) or robotic-assisted cases (44.2%), mean defect size 15.7 ± 28.3 cm2, mean procedure time 85.9 ± 43.0 min, and mean length of stay 1.0 ± 1.4 days. There were no SSOs requiring intervention beyond 45 days, n = 38 (31.7%) recurrences, n = 22 (18.3%) reoperations, and n = 2 (1.7%) device-related adverse events (excluding recurrence).

CONCLUSION

P4HB-ST mesh demonstrated low rates of SSO and device-related complications, with improved quality of life scores, and reoperation rate comparable to other published studies. Recurrence rate was higher than expected at 31.7%. However, when analyzed by hernia defect size, recurrence was disproportionately high in defects ≥7.1 cm2 (43.3%) compared to defects <7.1 cm2 (18.6%). Thus, in LVIHR, P4HB-ST may be better suited for small defects. Caution is warranted when utilizing P4HB-ST in laparoscopic IPOM repair of larger defects until additional studies can further investigate outcomes.

Polyester vs polypropylene, do mesh materials matter? A meta-analysis and systematic review

Purpose

Controversy exists regarding the outcomes following ventral hernia repair with polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET) mesh. Monofilament PP less frequently requires extraction in the setting of contamination compared to multifilament PET mesh. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the clinical outcomes of ventral hernia repair with PP and PET mesh.

Patients and methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Ovid search platform. Criteria included ventral hernia repair publications using either PP or PET mesh with a minimum follow-up duration of one year. Included studies were subject to data extraction including mesh position, weight, recurrence rates, infection, and complications. Random effect meta-analysis was run to provide pooled event rate and 95% CI.

Results

Ninety-seven studies including a total of 10,022 patients were included in the final analysis. Hernia recurrence rates are similar (4.8%, 95% CI [3.5–6.5] vs 4.7%, 95% CI [3.7–6.0]) as well as mesh infection rates (3.5%, 95% CI [2.5–4.9] vs 5.0%, 95% CI [3.9–6.3]) between PET and PP, respectively. Mesh infections occurred less frequently in laparoscopic repair compared to open (1.6%, 95% CI [0.9–2.6] vs 5.2%, 95% CI [4.3–6.3]).

Conclusion

This study suggests that mesh material does not affect recurrence or infection in ventral hernia repair and that surgery can be safely performed with both PP and PET mesh. A laparoscopic approach is associated with a decreased infection rate compared to open repair independent of mesh type.

Enhanced value with implementation of an ERAS protocol for ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Open ventral hernia repair (VHR) is associated with postoperative complications and hospital readmissions. A comprehensive Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol for VHR contributes to improved clinical outcomes including the rapid return of bowel function and reduced infections. The purpose of this study was to compare hospital costs for patients cared for prior to ERAS implementation with patients cared for with an ERAS protocol.

METHODS

With IRB approval, clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes data were obtained via retrospective review of consecutive VHR patients 2 years prior to and 14 months post ERAS implementation. Hospital cost data were obtained from the cost accounting system inclusive of index hospitalization. Clinical data and hospital costs were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Data for 178 patients (127 pre-ERAS, 51 post-ERAS) were analyzed. Preoperative and operative characteristics including gender, ASA class, comorbidities, and BMI were similar between groups. ERAS patients had faster return of bowel function (p = 0.001) and decreased incidence of superficial surgical site infection (p = 0.003). Hospital length of stay did not vary significantly pre and post ERAS implementation. Inpatient pharmacy costs were increased in ERAS group ($2673 vs. $1176 p < 0.001), but total hospital costs (14,692 vs. 15,151, p = 0.538) were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardization of hernia care via ERAS protocol improves clinical outcomes without impacting total costs.

Professional fee payments by specialty for inpatient open ventral hernia repair: who gets paid for treating comorbidities and complications?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine perioperative professional fee payments to providers from different specialties for the care of patients undergoing inpatient open ventral hernia repair (VHR).

METHODS

Perioperative data of patients undergoing VHR at a single center over 3 years were selected from our NSQIP database. 180-day follow-up data were obtained via retrospective review of records and phone calls to patients. Professional fee payments (PFPs) to all providers were obtained from our physician billing system for the VHR hospitalization, the 180 days prior to operation (180Prior) and the 180 days post-discharge (180Post).

RESULTS

PFPs for 283 cases were analyzed. Average total 360-day PFPs per patient were $3409 ± SD 3294, with 14.5% ($493 ± 1546) for services in the 180Preop period, 72.5% ($2473 ± 1881) for the VHR hospitalization, and 13.0% ($443 ± 1097) in the 180Postop period. The surgical service received 62% of PFPs followed by anesthesia (18%), medical specialties (9%), radiology (6%), and all other provider services (5%). Medical specialties received increased PFPs for care of patients with COPD and HCT < 38% ($90 and $521, respectively) and for the pulmonary complications ($2471) and sepsis ($2714) that correlated with those patient comorbidities; surgeons did not. Operative duration, mesh size, and separation of components were associated with increased surgeon PFPs (p < .05). At 6 months, wound complications were associated with increased surgeon and radiology payments (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Management of acute comorbid conditions and the associated higher postoperative morbidity is not reimbursed to the surgeon under the 90-day global fee. These represent opportunity costs of care that pressure busy surgeons to select against these patients or to delegate more management to their medical specialty colleagues, thereby increasing total system costs. A comorbid risk adjustment of procedural reimbursement is warranted. In negotiating bundled payments, surgeon groups should keep in mind that surgeon reimbursement, unlike medical specialty and hospital reimbursement, have been bundled since the 1990s.

Associations between anxiolytic medications and ventral hernia repair

PURPOSE

This study examines the relationship between anxiolytic medications (AXM) on outcomes following ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

A single-center review of prospectively obtained perioperative and 30-day outcome data, including AXM use at admission, as part of the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program.

RESULTS

Sixty-three of the 393 patients who presented for ventral hernia repair were taking an AXM (15.6%). AXM users were more likely to have a higher ASA class, dyspnea, and treated hypertension (p < 0.05). AXM use was associated with increased operative duration, hernia size, increased estimated blood loss, and need for component separation. After adjusting for medical comorbidities, AXM users were not found to have greater 30-day morbidity or mortality. Patients taking AXM were found to have greater length of stay and increased hospital readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients taking anxiolytic medications undergoing ventral hernia repairs have higher ASA scores, more complex hernia characteristics, and require more concurrent procedures. They were found to have longer operative times, increased blood loss, greater duration of hospital stay, and increased readmissions that were associated with the increased perioperative risk factors. Further studies are required to determine causal links.

Outcomes after Ventral Hernia Repair Using the Rives-Stoppa, Endoscopic, and Open Component Separation Techniques

Complex ventral hernias remain a challenge for general surgeons despite advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques. This study compares outcomes following Rives-Stoppa (RS) repair, components separation technique with mesh (CST-M) or without mesh (CST), and endoscopic components separation technique (ECST). A retrospective review of patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair between 2006 and 2011 was performed. Analysis included patient demographics, surgical site occurrences, hernia recurrence, hospital readmission, and mortality. The search was limited to open repairs, specifically the RS, CST-M, CST, and ECST with mesh techniques. A total of 362 patients underwent repair with RS (66), CST-M (126), CST (117), or ECST (53). The groups were demographically similar. ECST was more frequently used for patients with a history of two or more recurrences ( P < 0.001). The RS method had the lowest rate of recurrence (9.1%) compared with CST and CST-M with 28 and 25 per cent recurrences, respectively ( P = 0.011). The RS recurrence rate was not significantly different than ECST (15%). There were no significant differences between groups for surgical site occurrences ( P = 0.305), hospital read-mission ( P = 0.288), or death ( P = 0.197). When components separation is necessary for complex ventral hernia repair, ECST is a viable option without added morbidity or mortality.

Outcomes after Ventral Hernia Repair Using the Rives-Stoppa, Endoscopic, and Open Component Separation Techniques

Complex ventral hernias remain a challenge for general surgeons despite advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques. This study compares outcomes following Rives-Stoppa (RS) repair, components separation technique with mesh (CST-M) or without mesh (CST), and endoscopic components separation technique (ECST). A retrospective review of patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair between 2006 and 2011 was performed. Analysis included patient demographics, surgical site occurrences, hernia recurrence, hospital readmission, and mortality. The search was limited to open repairs, specifically the RS, CST-M, CST, and ECST with mesh techniques. A total of 362 patients underwent repair with RS (66), CST-M (126), CST (117), or ECST (53). The groups were demographically similar. ECST was more frequently used for patients with a history of two or more recurrences (P < 0.001). The RS method had the lowest rate of recurrence (9.1%) compared with CST and CST-M with 28 and 25 per cent recurrences, respectively (P = 0.011). The RS recurrence rate was not significantly different than ECST (15%). There were no significant differences between groups for surgical site occurrences (P = 0.305), hospital readmission (P = 0.288), or death (P = 0.197). When components separation is necessary for complex ventral hernia repair, ECST is a viable option without added morbidity or mortality.

Ventral and incisional hernia: the cost of comorbidities and complications

INTRODUCTION

Ventral and incisional hernia repair (VIHR) is among the most frequently performed abdominal operations with significant incidence of postoperative complications and readmissions. Payers are targeting increased "value" of care through improved outcomes and reduced costs. Cost data in clinically relevant terms is still rare. This study aims to identify hospital costs associated with clinically relevant factors in order to facilitate strategies by surgeons to enhance the value of VIHR.

METHODS

An IRB-approved retrospective review of VIHRs performed at the University of Kentucky from April 2009 through September 2013 was conducted. NSQIP clinical data and hospital cost data were matched. Operating room (ORC), total encounter (TEC), and 90-day postdischarge (90PDC) hospital costs were analyzed relative to clinical variables using non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

In total 385 patients that underwent VIHR during the time period were included in the analyses. Considering all VIHRs, median [interquartile range (IQR)] ORC was $6900 ($5600-$10,000); TEC was $10,700 ($7500-$18,600); and 90PDC was $0 ($0-$800). Compared to all VIHRs, ASA Class ≥ 3 was associated with increased ORC and TEC (p < .001), and 90PDC (p < .01). Preoperative open wound was associated with increased ORC and TEC (p < .001). Numerous operative variables were associated with both increased ORC and TEC. Wound Class > 1 was associated with increased ORC and TEC (p < .001) and 90PDC (p < .01). Inpatient occurrence of any complication was associated with increased TEC and 90PDC (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

ASA Class ≥ 3, Wound Class > 1, open abdominal wound, and postoperative complications significantly increase costs. Although the hospital encounter represents the majority of the cost associated with VIHR, additional costs are incurred during the 90-day postoperative period. An appreciation of global costs is essential in developing alternative payment models for hernia in order to provide the greatest value in hernia care.

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: The Uncertainty of the Impact of Drain Duration upon Outcomes

Drains are commonly used after abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) to prevent seroma formation. Drain management is subjective, and the merits and drawbacks of drains are not well understood. After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, we queried our prospectively maintained surgical database for AWR cases from 2009 to 2012 to ascertain if the number of days postoperatively that drains are left in place impacts the incidence of surgical site complications. Number of drains, drain duration, wound complications, and interval to development of complications were recorded. Wound complications were defined as superficial cellulitis, seroma, hematoma, superficial infection, and deep infection. Among 117 AWRs, we investigated the 64 cases with Centers for Disease Control grade one wound classification. Longest drain duration varied widely (2-171 days postoperatively; mean = 22 days). Cases were divided into four groups based on duration prior to removal of all drains: ≤7 days (n = 18), 8 to 14 days (n = 16), 15 to 28 days (n = 18), or ≥29 days (n = 12). No significant relationship was found between incidence of seroma/hematoma and days postoperatively of last drain removal. Wound complications increased linearly with drain time. Using logistic regression to adjust for obesity (body mass index >35kg/m(2)), drain duration >2 weeks and operative time >220 minutes, only body mass index >35 remained an independent predictor of wound occurrence, P < 0.05. Wound complications occur frequently after AWR. Wound infections occur more commonly among patients with drains in place for more than 2 weeks. Strategies to reduce drain duration require furthermore investigation.

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: The Uncertainty of the Impact of Drain Duration upon Outcomes

Drains are commonly used after abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) to prevent seroma formation. Drain management is subjective, and the merits and drawbacks of drains are not well understood. After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, we queried our prospectively maintained surgical database for AWR cases from 2009 to 2012 to ascertain if the number of days postoperatively that drains are left in place impacts the incidence of surgical site complications. Number of drains, drain duration, wound complications, and interval to development of complications were recorded. Wound complications were defined as superficial cellulitis, seroma, hematoma, superficial infection, and deep infection. Among 117 AWRs, we investigated the 64 cases with Centers for Disease Control grade one wound classification. Longest drain duration varied widely (2–171 days postoperatively; mean = 22 days). Cases were divided into four groups based on duration prior to removal of all drains: ≤ 7 days (n = 18), 8 to 14 days (n = 16), 15 to 28 days (n = 18), or ≥29 days (n = 12). No significant relationship was found between incidence of seroma/hematoma and days postoperatively of last drain removal. Wound complications increased linearly with drain time. Using logistic regression to adjust for obesity (body mass index >35kg/m2), drain duration >2 weeks and operative time >220 minutes, only body mass index >35 remained an independent predictor of wound occurrence, P < 0.05. Wound complications occur frequently after AWR. Wound infections occur more commonly among patients with drains in place for more than 2 weeks. Strategies to reduce drain duration require furthermore investigation.

Sublay versus underlay in open ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

The ideal location for mesh placement in open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) remains under debate. Current trends lean toward underlay or sublay repair. We hypothesize that in patients undergoing OVHR, sublay versus underlay placement of mesh results in fewer surgical site infections (SSIs) and recurrences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multi-institution database of all OVHRs performed from 2010 to 2011 was accessed. Patients with mesh placed in the sublay or underlay position and at least 1 mo of follow-up were included. Primary outcome was SSI. Secondary outcome was hernia recurrence. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression for SSI and Cox regression for recurrence. Subgroup analysis of elective, midline ventral incisional hernias was also performed.

RESULTS

Of 447 patients, 139 (31.1%) had a sublay repair. The unadjusted analysis showed no difference in SSI and lower recurrence using sublay compared with underlay. On multivariate analysis, there was no difference in SSI using sublay compared with underlay (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-2.8). Recurrence was less common with sublay (hazard ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8). On subgroup analysis of elective, midline incisional hernias only (n = 247), there were more SSIs with sublay compared with underlay repair (28.0% versus 15.1%, P = 0.018); however, there was no difference in major SSI (sublay 9.3% versus underlay 5.8%, P = 0.315). There were fewer recurrences using sublay repair compared with underlay repair (10.7% versus 25.0%, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

In this multi-center, risk-adjusted study, sublay repair was associated with fewer recurrences than underlay repair and no difference in SSI. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Comparison of Totally Extraperitoneal and Transabdominal Preperitoneal Approaches

BACKGROUND

Abdominal wall reconstruction for complex ventral and incisional hernias is associated with significant complications. Commonly, the peritoneal cavity is opened and adhesiolysis is performed with the potential for enterotomy. A totally extraperitoneal (TE) approach to abdominal wall reconstruction is feasible in many ventral hernia repairs and can reduce visceral injuries without impacting other outcomes. This study compares outcomes after retro-rectus ventral hernia repairs with TE and transabdominal (TA) preperitoneal approaches.

STUDY DESIGN

An IRB-approved review of a prospective hernia database was performed for all ventral hernia repairs between 2009 and 2013. Preoperative patient characteristics, including demographics and comorbidities; operative variables, including surgical technique, operative duration, type/size/location of mesh, concomitant procedures, and incidence of inadvertent injury; and patient outcomes in terms of length of stay, wound and nonwound complications, and readmissions or returns to the operating room were obtained. Groups were compared using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests as appropriate. Significance was set at p < .05.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-five complex abdominal wall reconstructions were performed between 2009 and 2013. Of those, 85 patients underwent hernia repair for CDC grade 1 hernias with retro-rectus mesh placement performed (n = 45 TA, n = 40 TE). Groups did not differ in age, BMI, sex, smoking status, hernia defect size, history of COPD, asthma, hypertension, cancer, or renal failure. More TA patients had diabetes (36% vs. 13%; p = 0.02) and previous hernia repair (73% vs. 45%; p = 0.01) than TE patients. Mesh size was larger in the TE group (625 ± 234 cm(2) vs. 424 ± 214 cm(2); p < .001). There was no difference in enterotomy between TA and TE groups (0% vs. 2%; p = 1.0). However, there was a reduced operative time with TE (170 ± 49 minutes vs. 212 ± 49 minutes; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal wall reconstruction can be performed safely in a TE fashion. The extraperitoneal approach results in shorter operative duration, but had similar complications when compared with TA preperitoneal approach.

External validation of the ventral hernia risk score for prediction of surgical site infections

BACKGROUND

Previously, we reported that the Ventral Hernia Risk Score (VHRS) was more accurate in a Veterans Affairs (VA) population in predicting surgical site infection (SSI) after open ventral hernia repair (VHR) compared with other models such as the Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) model. The VHRS was developed using single-center data and stratifies SSI risk into five groups based on concomitant hernia repair, skin flaps created, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3, body mass index ≥40 kg/m(2), and incision class 4. The purpose of this study was to validate the VHRS for other hospitals.

METHODS

A prospective database of all open VHRs performed at three institutions from 2009-2011 was utilized. All 436 patients with a follow-up of at least 1 mo were included. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of SSI was utilized. Each patient was assigned a VHRS, VHWG, and CDC incision classification. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to assess predictive accuracy, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were compared for the three risk-stratification systems.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 20 mos (range 1-49 mos). During this time, 111 patients (25.5%) developed a SSI. The AUC of the VHRS (0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-0.78) was greater than that of the VHWG (0.66; 95% CI 0.60-0.72; p<0.01) and the CDC incision class (0.68; 95% CI 0.61-0.74; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The VHRS provides a novel, internally and externally validated score for a patient's likelihood of developing a SSI after open VHR. Elevating skin flaps, ASA score ≥3, concomitant procedures, morbid obesity, and incision class all independently predicted SSI. It remains to be determined if pre-operative patient selection and risk reduction, surgical techniques, and post-operative management can improve outcomes in the highest-risk patients. The VHRS provides a starting point for key stakeholders to discuss the management of ventral hernias.

Quality-of-life scores in laparoscopic preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Published support exists for using lightweight polypropylene mesh (PPM) to repair inguinal hernias with increased biocompatibility and decreased foreign body reaction and pain. However, quality of life (QOL) has not been assessed. We assess QOL in patients undergoing laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) with lightweight PPM.

METHODS

We performed an IRB-approved study of patients undergoing TEP hernia repair. Demographic information and hernia characteristics were collected perioperatively. Baseline Short Form-36 (SF-36), Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were performed preoperatively, and then after 1, 26, and 52 weeks.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients undergoing TEP with mesh were selected. Average age was 43.2 years (SD = 13.2), and average BMI was 26.1 kg/m(2) (SD = 4.3). Procedures include bilateral hernia, right inguinal hernia, and left inguinal hernia repairs. Mean scores on the CCS(®) and VAS were low during the immediate post-op period and 1 year. SF-36 mean scores for body pain, physical function, and role physical showed decreases at the postoperative survey and then subsequent increases. Pain-associated scores increased during the immediate post-op period. CCS and SF-36 scores demonstrated improvement after 1 year. There was no significant difference in VAS. Bilateral repair patients reported more pain and reduced physical function versus unilateral repairs. Patients with larger mesh reported greater pain scores and reduced physical function scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is associated with initial declines in QOL in the postoperative period. Improvements appear in the long term. General health does not appear to be impacted by laparoscopic TEP. Smaller mesh and unilateral repairs are associated with improved QOL following laparoscopic TEP with PPM. Multiple metrics for QOL are required to reflect patient recovery.

Component Separation vs. Bridged Repair for Large Ventral Hernias: A Multi-Institutional Risk-Adjusted Comparison, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Repair of large ventral hernia defects is associated with high rates of surgical site occurrences (SSO), including surgical site infection (SSI), site dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, and site necrosis. Two common operative strategies exist: Component separation (CS) with primary fascial closure and mesh reinforcement (PFC-CS) and bridged repair (mesh spanning the hernia defect). We hypothesized that: (1) ventral hernia repair (VHR) of large defects with bridged repair is associated with more SSOs than is PFC, and (2) anterior CS is associated with more SSOs than is endoscopic, perforator-sparing, or posterior CS.

METHODS

Part I of this study was a review of a multi-center database of patients who underwent VHR of a defect ≥8 cm from 2010-2011 with at least one month of follow-up. The primary outcome was SSO. The secondary outcome was recurrence. Part II of this study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing bridged repair with PFC and studies comparing different kinds of CS.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients were followed for a median of 16 months (range 1-50 months), of whom 84 underwent PFC-CS and 24 had bridged repairs. Unadjusted results demonstrated no differences between the groups in SSO or recurrence; however, the study was underpowered for this purpose. On meta-analysis, PFC was associated with a lower risk of SSO (odds ratio [OR] = 0.569; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34-0.94) and recurrence (OR = 0.138; 95% CI = 0.08-0.23) compared with bridged repair. On multiple-treatments meta-analysis, both endoscopic and perforator-sparing CS were most likely to be the treatments with the lowest risk of SSO and recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Bridged repair was associated with more SSOs than was PFC, and PFC should be used whenever feasible. Endoscopic and perforator-sparing CS were associated with the fewest complications; however, these conclusions are limited by heterogeneity between studies and poor methodological quality. These results should be used to guide future trials, which should compare the risks and benefits of each CS method to determine in which setting each technique will give the best results.

Suture, synthetic, or biologic in contaminated ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Data are lacking to support the choice between suture, synthetic mesh, or biologic matrix in contaminated ventral hernia repair (VHR). We hypothesize that in contaminated VHR, suture repair is associated with the lowest rate of surgical site infection (SSI).

METHODS

A multicenter database of all open VHR performed at from 2010-2011 was reviewed. All patients with follow-up of 1 mo and longer were included. The primary outcome was SSI as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The secondary outcome was hernia recurrence (assessed clinically or radiographically). Multivariate analysis (stepwise regression for SSI and Cox proportional hazard model for recurrence) was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 761 VHR were reviewed for a median (range) follow-up of 15 (1-50) mo: there were 291(38%) suture, 303 (40%) low-density and/or mid-density synthetic mesh, and 167(22%) biologic matrix repair. On univariate analysis, there were differences in the three groups including ethnicity, ASA, body mass index, institution, diabetes, primary versus incisional hernia, wound class, hernia size, prior VHR, fascial release, skin flaps, and acute repair. The unadjusted outcomes for SSI (15.1%; 17.8%; 21.0%; P = 0.280) and recurrence (17.8%; 13.5%; 21.5%; P = 0.074) were not statistically different between groups. On multivariate analysis, biologic matrix was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in both SSI and recurrences, whereas synthetic mesh associated with fewer recurrences compared to suture (hazard ratio = 0.60; P = 0.015) and nonsignificant increase in SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Interval estimates favored biologic matrix repair in contaminated VHR; however, these results were not statistically significant. In the absence of higher level evidence, surgeons should carefully balance risk, cost, and benefits in managing contaminated ventral hernia repair.

Doxycycline shows dose-dependent changes in hernia repair strength after mesh repair

BACKGROUND

Ventral hernia is a commonly occurring surgical problem. Our earlier studies have shown that a 30 mg/kg dose of doxycycline can significantly impact the strength of polypropylene (PP) mesh in a rat hernia repair model at 6 and 12 weeks. The objective of the present study was to investigate the dose dependence of doxycycline treatment on hernia repair strengths in rats.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats underwent hernia repair with either PP mesh (n = 28) or sutures only (primary; n = 28); both groups were further divided into four doxycycline groups of seven animals each: control (0 mg/kg), low (3 mg/kg), medium (10 mg/kg), and high (30 mg/kg). One day before hernia repair surgery, animals received doxycycline doses by gavage and continued receiving daily until euthanasia. After 8 weeks, rats were euthanized and tissue samples from hernia repaired area were collected and analyzed for tensile strength using a tensiometer (Instron, Canton, MA, USA), while MMPs 2, 3, and 9, and collagen type 1 and 3 were analyzed by western blotting.

RESULTS

In mesh-repaired animals, medium and high doxycycline dose repaired mesh fascia interface (MFI) showed significant increase in tensile strength when compared to control. In the primary repaired animals, there was no significant difference in MFI tensile strength in any dose group. In medium-dose MFI, there was a significant reduction in MMPs 2, 3, and 9. In this animal group, MFI showed significant increase in collagen 1 and significant reduction in collagen type 3 when compared to control.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to improve the strength of mesh-repaired tissue by administering a significantly lower dose of the drug, which has implications for translation of the findings.

Development and validation of a risk stratification score for ventral incisional hernia after abdominal surgery: hernia expectation rates in intra-abdominal surgery (the HERNIA Project)

BACKGROUND

Ventral incisional hernias (VIH) develop in up to 20% of patients after abdominal surgery. No widely applicable preoperative risk-assessment tool exists. We aimed to develop and validate a risk-assessment tool to predict VIH after abdominal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study of all patients undergoing abdominal surgery was conducted at a single institution from 2008 to 2010. Variables were defined in accordance with the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project, and VIH was determined through clinical and radiographic evaluation. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was built from a development cohort (2008 to 2009) to identify predictors of VIH. The HERNIAscore was created by converting the hazards ratios (HR) to points. The predictive accuracy was assessed on the validation cohort (2010) using a receiver operator characteristic curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Of 625 patients followed for a median of 41 months (range 0.3 to 64 months), 93 (13.9%) developed a VIH. The training cohort (n = 428, VIH = 70, 16.4%) identified 4 independent predictors: laparotomy (HR 4.77, 95% CI 2.61 to 8.70) or hand-assisted laparoscopy (HAL, HR 4.00, 95% CI 2.08 to 7.70), COPD (HR 2.35; 95% CI 1.44 to 3.83), and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) (HR1.74; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.91). Factors that were not predictive included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, albumin, immunosuppression, previous surgery, and suture material or technique. The predictive score had an AUC = 0.77 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.86) using the validation cohort (n = 197, VIH = 23, 11.6%). Using the HERNIAscore: HERNIAscore = 4(∗)Laparotomy+3(∗)HAL+1(∗)COPD+1(∗) BMI ≥ 25, 3 classes stratified the risk of VIH: class I (0 to 3 points),5.2%; class II (4 to 5 points),19.6%; and class III (6 points), 55.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

The HERNIAscore accurately identifies patients at increased risk for VIH. Although external validation is needed, this provides a starting point to counsel patients and guide clinical decisions. Increasing the use of laparoscopy, weight-loss programs, community smoking prevention programs, and incisional reinforcement may help reduce rates of VIH.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair With a Novel Hernia Mesh Incorporating a Nitinol Alloy Frame Compared With a Standard Lightweight Polypropylene Mesh

BACKGROUND

Numerous mesh materials are available for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The role of fixation of mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. Mesh materials have been engineered to anatomically conform to the pelvis to potentially reduce or eliminate the need for fixation. This study evaluates the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia utilizing a device consisting of a lightweight polypropylene mesh with a nitinol frame (Rebound HRD) compared with repair with lightweight polypropylene mesh with permanent tack fixation.

METHODS

A prospective randomized trial evaluating the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with a lightweight polypropylene mesh with a nitinol frame (N-LWM) compared with standard lightweight polypropylene mesh (LWM) was conducted. Randomization was performed at an N-LWM to LWM ratio of 2:1. Repairs were standardized to a laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach without fixation for N-LWM and titanium tack fixation for LWM repairs. Follow-up assessments were performed at 7 days, 6 months, and 1 year. Outcome measures include visual analog pain scale (VAS), Short Form 36 (SF-36), Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), operative details, complications, and recurrences.

RESULTS

There were 47 patients that underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and adhered to study protocol (31 N-LWM, 16 LWM). The groups did not differ significantly in age, body mass index, ethnicity, or employment. The N-LWM group had bilateral mesh placed in 51.6% and LWM 43.8% (P = .76). Operative duration was similar, 59.6 ± 23.1 minutes for LWM and 62.4 ± 26.7 minutes for N-LWM (P = .705) as was mesh handling time was 5.4 ± 3.1 minutes LWM versus 7.3 ± 3.9 minutes N-LWM (P = .053). VAS, CCS, and SF-36 survey results were similar between groups. There was one recurrence (0.03%) in the N-LWM group.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitinol-framed lightweight polypropylene mesh may be safely used during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with outcomes comparable to LWM at 1 year. N-LWM does not impact operating room time, mesh handling time, pain, recurrences, or complications.

Patient Symptoms Correlate Poorly with Objective Measures among Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) varies among patients. To attempt to understand the patient's perception of the severity of their reflux symptoms, we developed a questionnaire on which patients rated symptom severity at each office visit. After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed patient charts of all patients seen by one surgeon for GERD symptoms and/or presence of hiatal hernia (HH) from September 2012 to April 2013. Data from patient questionnaires combined with objective findings from subsequent or prior workup and eventual operative information were recorded. A total of 144 questionnaires were reviewed from 108 patients. Frequencies were calculated for categorical variables. Patients were divided into four categories based on size of the HH on the endoscopic report; 10 patients had no HH, 15 had small HH, 20 had medium HH, and 31 patients had large HH. Size of HH was not available for three patients. Pre- and postoperative questionnaire responses were obtained for 15 patients. A combined reflux score was calculated using the median for each symptom. Patient perception of severity of symptoms does not necessarily predict presence of pathological reflux or HH nor is there a perfect combination of symptoms to predict the presence of pathological reflux or HH based on our sample. The workup of this pathology must be comprehensive, and the confirmation of reflux is imperative when the diagnosis is unclear.

Patient symptoms correlate poorly with objective measures among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) varies among patients. To attempt to understand the patient's perception of the severity of their reflux symptoms, we developed a questionnaire on which patients rated symptom severity at each office visit. After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed patient charts of all patients seen by one surgeon for GERD symptoms and/or presence of hiatal hernia (HH) from September 2012 to April 2013. Data from patient questionnaires combined with objective findings from subsequent or prior workup and eventual operative information were recorded. A total of 144 questionnaires were reviewed from 108 patients. Frequencies were calculated for categorical variables. Patients were divided into four categories based on size of the HH on the endoscopic report; 10 patients had no HH, 15 had small HH, 20 had medium HH, and 31 patients had large HH. Size of HH was not available for three patients. Pre- and postoperative questionnaire responses were obtained for 15 patients. A combined reflux score was calculated using the median for each symptom. Patient perception of severity of symptoms does not necessarily predict presence of pathological reflux or HH nor is there a perfect combination of symptoms to predict the presence of pathological reflux or HH based on our sample. The workup of this pathology must be comprehensive, and the confirmation of reflux is imperative when the diagnosis is unclear.

Complex ventral hernia repair with a human acellular dermal matrix

Purpose

The ideal approach to complex ventral hernia repair is frequently debated. Differences in processing techniques among biologic materials may impact hernia repair outcomes. This study evaluates the outcomes of hernia repair with a terminally sterilized human acellular dermal matrix (TS-HADM) (AlloMax^® Surgical Graft, by C. R. Bard/Davol, Inc., Warwick, RI, USA) treated with low-dose gamma irradiation.

Methods

A single-arm multi-center retrospective observational study of patients undergoing hernia repair with TS-HADM was performed. Data analyses were exploratory only; no formal hypothesis testing was pre-specified.

Results

Seventy-eight patients (43F, 35M) underwent incisional hernia repair with a TS-HADM. Mean follow-up was 20.5 months. Preoperative characteristics include age of 56.6 ± 11.1 years, BMI 36.7 ± 9.9 kg/m², and mean hernia defect size 187 cm². Sixty-five patients underwent component separation technique (CST) with a reinforcing graft. Overall, 21.8 % developed recurrences. Recurrences occurred in 15 % of patients repaired with CST. Major wound complications occurred in 31 % of patients overall. Based upon CDC surgical wound classification, major wound complications were seen in 26, 40, 56, and 50 % of Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 wounds, respectively. No grafts required removal.

Conclusions

Hernia recurrences are not uncommon following complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Improved outcomes are seen when a TS-HADM is utilized as reinforcement to primary fascial closure.

Economics of abdominal wall reconstruction

The economic aspects of abdominal wall reconstruction are frequently overlooked, although understandings of the financial implications are essential in providing cost-efficient health care. Ventral hernia repairs are frequently performed surgical procedures with significant economic ramifications for employers, insurers, providers, and patients because of the volume of procedures, complication rates, the significant rate of recurrence, and escalating costs. Because biological mesh materials add significant expense to the costs of treating complex abdominal wall hernias, the role of such costly materials needs to be better defined to ensure the most cost-efficient and effective treatments for ventral abdominal wall hernias.

Evaluation of ECHO PS Positioning System in a Porcine Model of Simulated Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Purpose. Operative efficiency improvements for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) have focused on reducing operative time while maintaining overall repair efficacy. Our objective was to evaluate procedure time and positioning accuracy of an inflatable mesh positioning device (Echo PS Positioning System), as compared to a standard transfascial suture technique, using a porcine model of simulated LVHR. Methods. The study population consisted of seventeen general surgeons (n = 17) that performed simulated LVHR on seventeen (n = 17) female Yorkshire pigs using two implantation techniques: (1) Ventralight ST Mesh + Echo PS Positioning System (Echo PS) and (2) Ventralight ST Mesh + transfascial sutures (TSs). Procedure time and mesh centering accuracy overtop of a simulated surgical defect were evaluated. Results. Echo PS demonstrated a 38.9% reduction in the overall procedure time, as compared to TS. During mesh preparation and positioning, Echo PS demonstrated a 60.5% reduction in procedure time (P < 0.0001). Although a trend toward improved centering accuracy was observed for Echo PS (16.2%), this was not significantly different than TS. Conclusions. Echo PS demonstrated a significant reduction in overall simulated LVHR procedure time, particularly during mesh preparation/positioning. These operative time savings may translate into reduced operating room costs and improved surgeon/operating room efficiency.

Predictors of poor outcomes in functionally dependent patients undergoing ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Preoperative functional health status has been shown previously to affect outcomes following ventral hernia repair. The objective of this study was to identify specific factors that contribute to morbidity and mortality in functionally dependent patients who undergo elective ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients in the ACS NSQIP database who underwent elective ventral hernia repair from 2005 to 2009. Patients were selected based on the following CPT codes: 49560, 49561, 49565, 49566, 49568, 49570, 49572, 49585, 49587, 49652, 49653, 49654, 49655, 49656, and 49657. Only patients classified as partially or totally dependent were included in this study. Thirty-day outcomes included mortality, wound occurrences, pulmonary occurrences, venous thromboembolism, development of sepsis/shock, renal failure/insufficiency, and cardiovascular events. We analyzed risk factors using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 75,865 patients who underwent elective ventral hernia repair, of which 1,144 were classified as functionally dependent. Overall, major morbidity was observed in 211 (18.4 %) patients. There was no statistically significant difference in any measurable outcomes between laparoscopic and open hernia repairs. Increasing age proved to be an independent predictor of mortality, with an odds ratio of 1.63 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.27-2.12) for each 10 years of age beyond the mean. Ascites and preoperative renal failure also were identified as independent predictors of mortality, with odds ratios of 9.7 and 11.5, respectively. Preoperative pulmonary compromise was shown to be an independent predictor of both mortality and major morbidity, with odds ratios of 4.1 and 2.47, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective ventral hernia repair in the functionally dependent patient population has significant morbidity and mortality. Increasing age, ascites, preoperative renal failure, and preoperative pulmonary compromise are independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Nonoperative management should be strongly considered in the presence of these risk factors. Further studies are needed to determine optimum management strategies for functionally dependent patients with ventral hernias.

Outcomes of simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ventral hernia repair compared to that of laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone

BACKGROUND

Although incidental hernias frequently are found and repaired during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the outcomes of simultaneous LC and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) have not been scrutinized. In this study we evaluated short-term outcome data comparing simultaneous LC and LVHR against LC alone.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database (2005-2009) was queried using primary procedure and secondary current procedural terminology (CPT(®)) codes for LC and LVHR. Outcomes analyzed included separate LC and LVHR and simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ventral hernia repair (LC/LVHR). The 30 day clinical outcomes along with postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS) were assessed using the χ(2) test and analysis-of-variance test with p values < 0.01 set as significant. We also performed forward stepwise multivariable regression taking in to consideration over 50 ACS NSQIP risk factors to adjust for patient risk.

RESULTS

A total of 82,837 patients underwent LC and/or LVHR of which 357 (0.4%) underwent simultaneous LC/LVHR. Patients who underwent LC/LVHR were more likely to have surgical site infections, suffer sepsis or septic shock, and have pulmonary complications, including pneumonia, reintubation or prolonged ventilator requirements, than LC-alone patients. No difference was noted in 30 day mortality, rates of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), renal insufficiency, or stroke. After multivariable adjustment for over 50 ACS NSQIP risk factors, concurrent LC/LVHR continued to pose a higher risk for these outcomes relative to LC only.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous LC/LVHR results in greater postoperative morbidity in terms of surgical site infections, sepsis, and pulmonary complications when compared to LC alone. In light of this increased short-term morbidity, consideration should be given toward performing LC and LVHR independently in patients requiring both procedures. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required to better understand the implications of simultaneous LC/LVHR.

Preoperative Functional Health Status Impacts Outcomes after Ventral Hernia Repair

Associated with the aging population is an increase in comorbidities and a decrease in the ability to perform basic daily activities. This is tracked within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) as a patient's preoperative functional health status. Our goal was to evaluate the impact of preoperative functional status upon outcomes after ventral hernia repair. We reviewed all cases of patients that underwent ventral hernia repair from 2005 to 2010 in the ACS-NSQIP database. Patients were identified based on selected Current Procedural Terminology codes and grouped based on functional status as listed in the ACS-NSQIP database—independent, partially dependent, and totally dependent. Preoperative and operative variables were recorded for all patients. Clinical risk factors and short-term outcomes between groups were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for age, wound class, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and case relative value units. A total of 76,397 patients were identified: 74,785 were independent (97.9%), 1,317 partially dependent (1.7%), and 295 totally dependent (0.4%). Totally dependent patients had an increased risk for all short-term outcomes after ventral hernia repair: wound occurrence, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis, sepsis, return to the operating room, and death ( P < 0.001 for all).