Abdominal wall incisional hernia repair improves respiratory function: results after 3 years of follow-up

Abstract

Purpose Hernias severely impact patient quality of life (QoL), and 80% of patients require a surgical operation. Moreover, hernias are responsible for respiratory function alterations. This study aims to investigate the postoperative alterations in respiratory function after open ventral hernia repair in patients with incisional hernia. Methods Patients operated on at the Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” at Palermo University Hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 were identified in a prospective database. Fifty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The respiratory outcome measures used were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and PEF percentage (%PEF). The timepoints at which the parameters listed were assessed were t0, 1 week before the surgical operation; t1, 12 months later; and t2, 3 years later. Results The difference between mean preoperative and postoperative PEF was significant [t0 4.32 (4.03–7.92), t1 6.7 (4.27–8.24) with p = 0.012 and t2 6.5 (4.25–8.21) with p = 0.026]. The %PEF increased from 75% preoperatively to 87% at t1 (p = 0.009) and to 85% at t2 (p = 0.03). No differences were found in the comparison of pre- and postoperative FVC, FEV1 or FEV1/FVC ratio. Conclusion The improvement in respiratory measures suggests the importance of abdominal wall restoration to recover functional activity of respiratory function.

The Impact of Incisional Hernia Repair on the Quality of Life: A Narrative Review

“…In another study [22], similar results were found, having 80% of the patients satisfied with their overall results, and chronic pain or recurrence being the main complaints at seven years postoperatively. Complications were registered for 27% of the patients, but mostly between the Clavien-Dindo grades I and II.…”

“…Robotic-assisted surgery [17] LTD mesh [21] Modified Chevrel technique [16] Female gender [24] Absorbable sutures [19] Chronic health diseases [22] Suture fixation without tacks [20] Lack of communication between patients and health personnel [23] MTD mesh [21] Hernia size > 15 cm [11] Male gender [24] Thorough communication between patients and health personnel [23]…”

Construction and properties of the silk fibroin and polypropylene composite biological mesh for abdominal incisional hernia repair

“…Abdominal incisional hernia can lead to respiratory insufficiency and circulatory system dysfunction and even abdominal organ injury, such as intestinal obstruction and intestinal rupture, as well as a negative impact on the stability of the spine and thorax. The quality of life of patients is seriously affected ( van Ramshorst et al, 2012 ; Paulo et al, 2020 ; Sahin et al, 2020 ; Shao et al, 2020 ; Alayon-Rosario et al, 2021 ; Hoffman et al, 2021 ; Jensen et al, 2021 ; Licari et al, 2021 ; Soare et al, 2021 ; Cassese et al, 2022 ).…”