Outcomes of Surgical Repair of Incisional Hernia in Patients With Severe and Morbid Obesity: A Comparative Study.

Introduction Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication after open and minimal access abdominal surgery. The current practice guidelines recommend weight reduction to achieve a body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m before surgical repair of ventral hernias. However, this could be challenging to achieve, especially in emergency presentations. This study aims to assess the safety of surgical repair of IH in patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m. Methods A retrospective comparative study has been conducted to include all patients who had surgical repair of IH on an elective and emergency basis in a UK District General Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I BMI < 35 kg/m and Group II with BMI ≥35 kg/m. A comparison was made between the two groups according to demographics, comorbidities, hernia characteristics, operative data, and outcomes. Results The study included 239 patients, 181 in Group I and 58 in Group II. Morbid obesity was associated with male patients, and they were younger than Group I, p= 0.001 and 0.013, respectively. 13.8% of Group I had DM compared to 29.3% in Group II, p= 0.007. There were no significant differences in hernia characteristics or mode of surgery between the two groups. However, Group II had more overall and wound-related complications, p= <0.001 each. There were no significant differences in 30-day and 90-day mortality, recurrence rate, or 90-day readmissions. Conclusions Surgical repair of IH in patients with severe and morbid obesity is associated with more overall and wound-related complications.