Outcomes of umbilical hernia repair in cirrhotic veterans: a VASQIP study

Umbilical hernia repair (UHR) in cirrhotics with ascites is a challenging problem associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study examines the outcomes of UHR in veterans, comparing those undergoing elective versus emergent repair.

VASQIP was queried for all UHRs during the period 2008-2015. Data collection included demographics, operative details, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed, and a p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

A total of 383 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, mean age was 58.9, 99.0% were males, mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.7 kg/m², 98.2% had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification ≥ III, and 87.7% had independent functional status. More than 1/3 the patients underwent emergent UHR (37.6%). Compared with the elective UHR group, who underwent emergent repair were older, more likely to be functionally dependent, higher MELD score. Hypoalbuminemia, emergency repair and MELD score were found to be independent predictors of poor outcomes.

UHR in cirrhotic veterans has worse outcomes when performed emergently. Diagnosis should be followed by medical optimization and elective repair, rather than waiting for an emergent indication in > 1/3 of patients.