Concomitant ventral hernia repair and bariatric surgery: a retrospective analysis from a UK-based bariatric center.

Background: Ventral hernias (VH) are frequently encountered in patients with morbid obesity. Concomitant ventral hernia repair (VHR) and bariatric surgery (BS) is practiced but still controversial. Wound-related complications (seroma, hematoma, wound infection) and hernia recurrence rates are possible inhibitor factors. We aimed to estimate the rate of complications from concomitant BS (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy) and VHR and identify patient subgroups at higher risk of complications from synchronous repair.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of successive 106 patients who underwent concomitant BS + VHR at our institute (09/2007 to 09/2015) was performed using data from patients' record. Parameters considered were: type of repair (open/laparoscopic and primary closure/mesh), size and type of hernia (< 5 cm, 5-10 cm, > 10 cm and primary/incisional), patient gender and comorbidities.

Results: One hundred and six patients underwent concomitant BS and VHR. Fifty-nine had laparoscopic VHR and 47 open. Hernias recurred in 5 (8.47%) laparoscopic and 7 (14.89%) open VHR. Wound-related complications were common in open (15%) vs. laparoscopic (11.7%) VHR. Patients with VH recurrence included 8 (75%) with defects > 5 cm, 10 (83%) female, and all had BMI > 45. Six patients had wound infection, 5 of which had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Six patients had hematoma, 5 of which underwent mesh repairs. Finally, four patients developed seroma (BMI > 48, defects > 5 cm, laparoscopic mesh repair).

Conclusion: Synchronous VHR and BS in a bariatric unit is feasible with low recurrence rate. Laparoscopic VHR has lower complication rates than open, apart from seroma formation. Patients with diabetes have higher risk of infection.