Revising Recommendations and Outcome Measurements after Complex Open Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Abstract

Grading systems developed by the Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) for complex open abdominal wall reconstruction rely on limited outcomes: surgical site occurrence (SSO) and hernia recurrence. This does not account for the longitudinal restoration of a functional abdominal wall and the ability to correct complications. We performed a single-site, retrospective review of consecutive complex open abdominal wall reconstruction interventions with 24-month minimum follow-up to establish reoperation rates and compare long-term results to the VHWG. About 125 midline hernia repairs (>200 cm²) were studied. All had loss of functional domain and 47-month average follow-up. Demographics included: mean age 57 years, 47 per cent male, 63 per cent obese, and 34 per cent with contamination. Rates of SSO per VHWG grade were 9 per cent grade I, 45 per cent grade II, and 55 per cent grade III. Forty-three of 59 patients who developed complications were eventually successful after reoperation leading to an 87 per cent restoration rate. Select factors independently associated with reoperation included biological mesh and clinical history of infection. Although rates of SSO were higher than the VHWG published, we experienced high salvage rates except in patients who underwent biologic repair. We recommend restricted use of biologic mesh in contaminated and clean fields as well as modifications to the VHWG grading and recommendations.