Kambiz Kamrani, Alexis Okoh, Adam Kopelan. Newark Beth Israel
BACKGROUND: There are scant data in the literature regarding the incidence and outcomes of ventral hernia repairs (VHR) after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). This study aims to describe a single centers experience with VHRs in OHT patients.
METHODS: Data on all patients who underwent an OHT at a single center over a 13-year period was retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of post-transplant ventral hernia that required repair by a single surgeon was calculated. Baseline characteristics including risk factors for developing a ventral hernia and operative outcomes post-VHR were investigated.
RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2016, a total of 603 OHT procedures were performed. Of these 21 (3.5%) had a ventral hernia that required repair which was performed in a median duration of 2 (min:0.08 max:11) years after OHT. The study cohort consisted of 18 (85%) males with mean ± SD age and body mass index of 59 ±10 years, 32.7 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 respectively. Six (29%) patients had a prior history of smoking, 5 (24%) were insulin dependent diabetics, 13 (62%) had prior abdominal surgery and 11 (52%) were bridged to OHT with a durable ventricular assist device. VHRs were performed via an open approach in 16 (76%) of which 7 needed component separations. Size of defects repaired was ≤ 100cm 2 in 14 (67%). In-hospital mortality and re-admission within 30-days were 0%. Mean postoperative length of stay was 2 days. After a median follow-up of 4-years, recurrence requiring repair occurred in one patient after a year.
CONCLUSION: In a contemporary series of OHT patients, the incidence of ventral hernias post-transplant that required repair is reportedly low. Ventral hernias of various sizes in OHT patients can be repaired safely with favorable outcomes.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 91623
Program Number: P559
Presentation Session: Poster Session (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster