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Complications and recurrence rates of patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome undergoing ventral hernioplasty: a case series

Kroese LF, Mommers EH, Robbens C, Bouvy ND, Lange JF, Berrevoet F

Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery, 2018

14 participants · 10 citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Ventral hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures, though recurrences are common. Recurrence can be caused by impaired collagen formation or maturation; hence, patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) are potentially at increased risk for hernia recurrence. EDS causes altered collagen metabolism, though little is known about the influence of EDS on ventral hernioplasty outcomes. This study aims to analyze these patients to report complication rates, recurrence rates, and, if possible, to give recommendations for surgical intervention.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis between January 2000 and January 2017 was performed in a university hospital Belgium (UZ Ghent). Data on baseline characteristics, primary surgery, and hernias were extracted from patients' medical charts. Noted endpoints were postoperative complications and recurrences.

RESULTS: Fourteen patients (50% males) were included. Ten (71%) had an incisional hernia and four (29%) had a primary ventral hernia. Median age was 45 years (IQR 37.75-52.75), median BMI was 24.82 (IQR 22.43-26.87). Four patients (29%) smoked, one patient (7.1%) had diabetes mellitus, and five patients (36%) had an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. All patients underwent elective open hernioplasty with mesh reinforcement. Three patients (21%) had a postoperative complication (two infections, one seroma). Recurrence rate was 7.1% (one patient).

CONCLUSIONS: This series describes 14 patients with a…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 14 participants or records.

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