EP 353 Three-Year Outcomes of Emergency Umbilical Hernia Repair
Shuvam Sarkar, Yasuko MaedaAbstract
Aims
Umbilical hernia repair is one of the common emergency operations. Whilst risk factors and techniques for elective repair have been extensively studied, there are limited data on emergency repair, particularly regarding recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate three-year outcomes following emergency umbilical hernia repair.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent umbilical hernia repair between January 2018 and April 2019. Data collected included demographics, operative technique, and outcomes, including recurrence, complications, and mortality.
Results
A total of 508 patients underwent umbilical hernia repair during the study period, of whom 96 (18.9%) had emergency repairs (54 men; median age 54 years, range 18–90). At three years, eight recurrences were identified (8.3%). There were no differences between recurrence and non-recurrence groups in ASA grade, body mass index, diabetes status, or whether the operator was a trainee or consultant. All patients underwent either suture or synthetic mesh repair. There were no differences in wound classification (clean vs clean-contaminated) or hernia size between groups. A higher proportion of suture repairs was observed in the recurrence group (63% vs 55%), as well as a higher rate of perioperative complications (38% vs 19%). There were three deaths (3%) among emergency repair patients.
Conclusions
Suture repair and perioperative complications appear to be associated with hernia recurrence within three years of emergency repair. Further data collection is ongoing.