Emergency hernia repair in cirrhotic patients with ascites

The optimal treatment for abdominal wall hernias in the setting of ascites is not clear. We describe our experience with emergent surgery for hernias in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and assess variables associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes to inform decisions about aggressive early repair.

We performed a retrospective review of all emergency abdominal wall hernia repairs admitted from the emergency department from January 2000 to December 2011 in all patients with ascites caused by liver cirrhosis. Demographic data, comorbidities, complications, operative details, hospital length of stay, and admission model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was determined. Follow-up was detailed via comprehensive liver service electronic records.

There were 69 emergent hernia surgeries in 68 patients during the study period. There were two early deaths (both MELD score> 20). Multivariate analysis revealed MELD score (18% increase in risk with each point of MELD), preoperative anemia (sevenfold increase in risk), and preoperative small bowel obstruction (ninefold increase in risk) as predictive factors of major complication. In patients with MELD score greater than 10, morbidity was more than 50%, and major morbidity is greater than 12% when MELD score is greater than 20.

Emergent hernia surgery in patients with ascites has low mortality but high morbidity and requires intense use of resources. To decrease the incidence of emergent hernia surgery, we recommend the aggressive use of elective repair. Emergent hernia repair, when necessary, should be performed at experienced centers and must include adequate ascites control with diuretic therapy and percutaneous paracentesis. Preoperative anemia and electrolyte abnormalities should be aggressively treated. Finally, while wound complications are common and frequently require reintervention, they are not associated with increased mortality.

Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level V.