Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Ventral Hernias

3. Complications and Prognosis

Recurrence of a ventral hernia after surgical repair varies, but recurrence rates have dropped significantly since the introduction of mesh. Laparoscopic repairs have about a 10 percent recurrence rate; open repairs have between 13 and 18 percent, depending on severity. Prognosis varies and often depends on the initial circumstances of the hernia. Emergency interventions for necrotic bowel (death of part of the intestine due to its blood supply being cut off) have poorer outcomes than planned repairs. Mesh infection is one of the worst complications and requires additional surgery. Patients who are obese or have COPD, a history of abdominal surgery, or infection at the surgical site have poorer outcomes.