The abdominal wall hernia in cirrhotic patients: a historical challenge

The incidence rate of abdominal wall hernia is 20-40% in cirrhotic patients. A surgical approach was originally performed only if complication signs and symptoms occurred. Several recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of elective surgery. During recent decades, the indications for surgical timing have changed.

Cirrhotic patients with abdominal hernia who underwent surgical operation for abdominal wall hernia repair at the Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone" at Palermo University Hospital between January 2010 and September 2016 were identified in a prospective database, and the data collected were retrospectively reviewed; patients' medical and surgical records were collected from charts and surgical and intensive care unit (ICU) registries. Postoperative morbidity was determined through the Clavien-Dindo classification. Cirrhosis severity was estimated by the Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) score and MELD (model of end-stage liver disease) score. Postoperative mortality was considered up to 30 days after surgery. A follow-up period of at least 1 year was used to evaluate hernia recurrence.

The univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated the unique independent risk factors for the development of postsurgical morbidity (emergency surgery (OR 6.42; p 0.023), CPT class C (OR 3.72; p 0.041), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3 (OR 4.72; p 0.012) and MELD ≥ 20 (OR 5.64; p 0.009)) and postsurgical mortality (emergency surgery (OR 10.32; p 0.021), CPT class C (OR 5.52; p 0.014), ASA score ≥ 3 (OR 8.65; p 0.018), MELD ≥ 20 (OR 2.15; p 0.02)).

Concerning abdominal wall hernia repair in cirrhotic patients, the worst outcome is associated with emergency surgery and with uncontrolled disease. The correct timing of the surgical operation is elective surgery after ascites drainage and albumin/electrolyte serum level and coagulation alteration correction.