Open preperitoneal ventral hernia repair: Prospective observational study of quality improvement outcomes over 18 years and 1,842 patients

BackgroundThis study aimed to describe progressive evidence-based changes in perioperative management of open preperitoneal ventral hernia repair and subsequent surgical outcomes and to analyze factors that affect recurrence and wound complications.MethodsProspective, tertiary hernia center data (2004–2021) were examined for patients undergoing midline open preperitoneal ventral hernia repair with mesh. “Early” (2004–2012) and “Recent” (2013–2021) groups were based on surgery date.ResultsComparison of Early (n = 675) versus Recent (n = 1,167) groups showed that Recent patients were, on average, older (56.9 ± 12.6 vs 58.7 ± 12.1 years; P < .001) with a lower body mass index (33.5 ± 8.3 vs 32.0 ± 6.8 kg/m²; P = .003) and a higher number of comorbidities (3.6 ± 2.2 vs 5.2 ± 2.6; P < .001). Recent patients had higher proportions of prior failed ventral hernia repair (46.5% vs 60.8%; P < .001), larger hernia defects (199.7 ± 232.8 vs 214.4 ± 170.5 cm²; P < .001), more Center for Disease Control class 3 or 4 wounds (11.3% vs 18.6%; P < .001), and more component separations (22.5% vs 45.7%; P < .001). Hernia recurrence decreased over time (7.1% vs 2.4%; P < .001), as did wound complication rates (26.7% vs 13.2%; P < .001). Comparing respective multivariable analyses (Early versus Recent), wound complications were associated with panniculectomy (odds ratio 95% confidence interval]: 2.9 1.9–4.5], P < .001 vs 2.1 1.4-3.3], P < .01), contaminated wounds (2.1 1.1–3.7], P = .02 vs 1.8 1.1–3.1], P = .02), anterior component separation technique (1.8 1.1–2.9], P = .02 vs 3.21.9–5.3], P < .01), and operative time (per minute: 1.01 1.008–1.015], P < .01 vs 1.004 1.001–1.007], P < .01). Diabetes (2.6 1.7–4.0], P < .01) and tobacco (1.8 1.1–2.9], P = .02) were only significant in the early group. In both groups, recurrence was associated with wound complication (8.9 4.1–20.1], P < .01 vs 3.4 1.3–8.2]. P < .01) and recurrent hernias (4.9 2.3–11.5], P < .01 vs 2.1 1.1–4.2], P = .036).ConclusionDespite significant increased patient complexity over time, detecting and implementing best practices as determined by recurring data analysis of a center’s outcomes has significantly improved patient care results.