Effects of Complex Ventral Hernia and Stoma on Body Image and Interpersonal Relationships

Complex ventral hernias (CVH) are an increasingly prevalent condition. Historically, surgeons have focused on surgical complications and recurrence in assessing the success of hernia repair surgery. In recent years, an increasing focus has been placed on quality-of-life outcomes in patients, with newer questionnaires being developed to assess these outcomes. Despite this, there is limited data available on the effects on body image and interpersonal relationships. Stomas are a similar condition which involves a defect in the abdominal wall, for which body image and relationship impacts have been studied more extensively. The aim of this project was to conduct a narrative review of the literature to determine how body image and interpersonal relationships are affected in complex ventral hernia patients, drawing from the data on stoma patients.

This study was a narrative review, with searches conducted to examine the literature on complex ventral hernia and stoma patients' experiences with body image and interpersonal relationship changes.

We found patients with CVH notice significant impairments to their body image and quality of relationships, with the experience of negative changes to body image, sexual relationships, and social relationships.

The impairments in body image and interpersonal relationships suggest a need to assess these outcomes when considering overall wellbeing in patients with complex ventral hernias. Further research and validation will provide insight into management and outcomes of such patients.