Proposal for a national triage system for the management of ventral hernias

Ventral hernia disease is becoming increasingly prevalent and complex. Subspecialisation for patients with challenging conditions requiring surgery has been shown to improve postoperative outcomes. Worldwide, there is an emergence of specialist hernia centres using new and innovative techniques to repair large and complicated ventral hernias. After a national meeting of hernia experts, we present an algorithm to be used as a national triage system for patients with ventral hernias, with the aim of ensuring that patients are operated on by the most appropriate surgeon. Evidence-based clinical risk factors and ventral hernia parameters are used for risk stratification and patient triage. We hope that this algorithm will guide future ventral hernia management in the UK.