Diario de Cirugía y Anestesia

Abstracto

Ventral Hernia Repair: A National Survey in the Republic of Ireland

Mannion Jennifer, Horan Michelle, Tewatia Vikram, Vu Mary, Johnston Sean, Hehir Dermot

Introduction: Abdominal wall herniation is a common surgical problem and repair is associated with high complication and recurrence rates. The operative approach is variable depending on patient and hernia characteristics. While there has been a gradual trend towards minimally invasive techniques internationally, surgical practice in the Republic of Ireland is currently undocumented.

Aim: To establish current surgical practice for the repair of ventral hernias in the Republic of Ireland

Methods: A national survey was disseminated via email and standard postage to all identifiable General Surgeons (N=168) to include those employed in the public and additionally those working in the private health sectors. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions pertaining to the respondents current practice.

Results: The response rate was 61% (N=103).Analysis was performed using Survey Monkey software. 45% of respondents identified as colorectal surgeons and 54% operated in model four public hospitals. 64% perform less than five repairs per month and an open approach predominates for small (87%) and large (70%) hernias. Laparoscopic repair accounted for 40% of medium sized defects. There was equal use of extraperitoneal or intraperitoneal mesh placement. Component separation was utilized by 63% with open anterior being the most common approach.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates an unexpected trend towards low volume practice; these data also indicate frequent use of open anterior component separation which does not concur with current international data. Further research is required and prompt introduction of a national database must be a priority