Determinants of Early Quality-of-Life Improvement After Open Abdominal Wall Eventration Repair: A Large Single-Center...

Background: Abdominal wall eventration significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL). This study evaluated early postoperative QoL improvement after open repair and identified its determinants. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 1262 patients undergoing elective open abdominal wall eventration repair (2013-2022) was analyzed. QoL was assessed preoperatively and at 3 months using the EuraHS-QoL score. Multivariable linear regression identified independent predictors of QoL improvement. Results: EuraHS-QoL scores improved significantly from 49.6 ± 10.0 preoperatively to 16.1 ± 5.1 at 3 months (Δ = 33.5 ± 11.2; p < 0.001). Postoperative complications (19.0%) were associated with reduced QoL improvement and prolonged recovery. Higher baseline QoL was the strongest positive predictor (β = 0.62, p < 0.001), while higher body mass index, complications, longer hospital stay, and recovery time negatively influenced outcomes. Age and sex were not significant predictors. QoL improvement was comparable between primary and secondary eventration. Conclusions: Open eventration repair leads to significant early QoL improvement. Baseline QoL and perioperative factors are key determinants, supporting the role of patient-reported outcomes in optimizing surgical care.