Functional Clinical Profile and Postoperative Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Ventral Hernia Repair

Abstract

Background: Ventral hernia is a common surgical condition associated with significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. Surgical repair remains the definitive treatment for symptomatic cases. Evaluation of clinical characteristics, surgical approaches, and postoperative outcomes is essential for improving patient management and reducing complications.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical profile, surgical management, and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair.

Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study included 110 patients undergoing ventral hernia repair at a tertiary care hospital. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, associated risk factors, hernia types, operative techniques, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Patients were followed for three months to assess recovery, recurrence, and readmission.

Results: Most patients belonged to the 41–50-year age group (27.27%), with female predominance (56.36%). Abdominal swelling was present in all patients, while 65.45% reported abdominal pain. Incisional hernia was the most common type (34.55%), followed by paraumbilical hernia (29.09%). Open mesh repair was performed in 65.45% of patients, and 81.82% underwent elective surgery. Seroma formation (14.55%) and surgical site infection (10.91%) were the most frequent postoperative complications. Overall, 27.27% experienced complications. Hospitalization lasted 4–6 days in 43.64% of patients. Recurrence and readmission rates were 2.73% and 4.55%, respectively.

Conclusion: Ventral hernia repair was associated with generally favourable short-term postoperative outcomes. Appropriate patient selection, preoperative optimization, suitable surgical techniques, and postoperative monitoring may help minimize complications and improve recovery.