The evolution of incisional hernia repair in Spain. A comparative analysis of results from the EVEREG registry.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the EVEREG registry in evaluating the evolution of surgical treatment for incisional hernia and its outcomes in Spain by comparing data from 2 study periods.

Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of hernia surgeries performed between 2011 and 2015 (first period) and between 2017 and 2022 (second period) was conducted using data collected from the EVEREG registry.

Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in the second cohort, including: a decrease in minimally invasive procedures (11.7% vs 8.2%; P < .001), an increase in emergency surgeries for males (31.7% vs 41.2%; P = .017), an increase in trocar hernia repairs (16% vs 26.2%; P < .0001), a reduction in suture repairs (2.8% vs 1.5%; P < .0001), and an increase in retromuscular techniques (36.4% vs 52.4%; P < .001) in open surgery with mesh. In elective surgery, there was a decrease in the average length of stay (4.9 vs 3.8 days; P < .0001), the percentage of complications (27.9% vs 24.0%; P < .0001), reoperations (3.5% vs 1.4%; P < .0001), and mortality (0.6% vs 0.2%; P = .002). Long-term outcomes included a decrease in recurrences after 12 months (20.7% vs 14.5%; P < .0001) and in chronic pain (13.7% vs 2.5%; P < .0001) and chronic infections (9.1% vs 14.5%; P < .0001) after 6 months.

Conclusion: In recent years, there has been a significant improvement in the outcomes of incisional hernia treatment. The registry serves as a fundamental tool for assessing the evolution of hernia treatment and enables the identification of key areas for improvement and the evaluation of treatment outcomes.