Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Using Biologic Mesh Outcomes Prospective Study

Background:

Abdominal wall defects are commonly seen in trauma and EGS patients. During the last decade numerous advances have been made in the management of patients with abdominal wall defects. These defects are repaired by various surgical techniques including mesh repair (synthetic vs. biologic), primary repair, etc. However, the outcomes of patients after these injuries are highly variable and many of these patients suffer from in-hospital complications, mesh infections requiring explantation, and recurrence. Various factors play a role in the final outcome of the patient. These include factors associated with the initial surgery or disease (trauma or emergency general surgery), patient demographics (age, gender, co-morbidities), preoperative features (hemoglobin and laboratory parameters), technique of repair (onlay, inlay, retro rectus) and the types of mesh used. However, the role of each of these factors in the final outcome of patients remains unclear in the literature.

Study Design Study Type: Observational Observational Study Model: Cohort Time Perspective: Prospective Enrollment: 250 Number of Groups/Cohorts: 1

Recruitment Procedures:

Attending physicians will discuss possible participation in the study with patients who meet initial screening criteria and have been scheduled for abdominal wall repair/ventral hernia repair. If a patient agrees, they will be approached by our research coordinator to discuss consenting. The research coordinator will introduce herself and her role with Westchester Medical Center, and read the following script. A translator for Spanish speaking patients will be available.