Ventral hernia repair in bariatric patients

Abstract

Morbid Obesity is increasing worldwide at fast pace with associated co-morbidities also on the rise. Considering that Obesity is one of the main risk factors for developing a Ventral Hernia this will results that in the future we will experience a rise in those hernia in patients undergoing any abdominal surgery. There is no clarity on the best timing and choice for procedures. We are well aware also on the difficulties in hernia repair surgery and the relative outcome so adding obesity as co-factors amplify the challenges. In fact, today both general surgeons with expertise in abdominal wall repair and bariatric surgeons are faced with a new dilemma: the obese patient with an abdominal wall hernia. This article will briefly review the impact of obesity on the natural history of hernia, its associated complication, management strategies and outcome.