Morbidity and mortality of incisional hernia repairs in patients with obesity: a retrospective bicentric study on the impact of an initial bariatric surgery approach.

Background: Abdominal hernias are a prevalent complication of abdominal surgery, occurring in 13% of midline laparotomy. The recurrence rate is considerable, reaching 28% within 2 years postrepair. The most significant factor contributing to recurrence after hernia repair and complications is obesity.

Objectives: This study assesses the impact of a two-stage approach, comprising initial bariatric surgery (BS) followed by hernia repair, on morbidity and mortality associated with hernia surgery.

Setting: Bicentric retrospective study conducted at two university hospitals (France).

Methods: Patients with obesity who were eligible for BS and underwent incisional hernia repair (IHR) between January 2013 and August 2023 were divided into two groups: those who underwent IHR alone and those who received initial BS followed by IHR. Data included demographic, anthropometric, and procedural details, as well as short- and long-term complications.

Results: The 140 patients were divided into two groups: 103 undergoing IHR alone (body mass index [BMI] 40.5kg/m²) and 37 in the BS-then-IHR group (BMI reduction from 43.7kg/m² to 32.4kg/m²). Intraoperative data showed a lower incidence of complications in the BS-first group (0%) than in the IHR-group (13.7%), even after excluding emergency surgeries (P < .05). Postoperative morbidity was lower in the two-stage group, with intensive care unit admissions at 5.4% versus 17.5% and no mortalities. Median hospital stay was shorter (4.5 days vs. 7 days, P < .05). Three-year clinical recurrence was 8.3% versus 19.8%.

Conclusion: A two-stage approach may improve IHR outcomes by reducing recurrence, hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. This approach should be considered if the patient is eligible for BS.