External Validation of the European Hernia Society Classification for Postoperative Complications after Incisional Hernia Repair

Background: Incisional hernia is a frequent complication after midline laparotomy. Surgical hernia repair is associated with complications, but no clear predictive risk factors have been identified. The European Hernia Society (EHS) classification offers a structured framework to describe hernias and to analyze postoperative complications. Because of its structured nature, it might prove to be useful for preoperative patient or treatment classification. The objective of this study was to investigate the EHS classification as a predictor for postoperative complications after incisional hernia surgery.
Study Design: An analysis was performed using a registry-based, large-scale, prospective cohort study, including all patients undergoing incisional hernia surgery between September 1, 2011 and February 29, 2016. Univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications.
Results: A total of 2,191 patients were included, of whom 323 (15%) had 1 or more complications. Factors associated with complications in univariate analyses (p < 0.20) and clinically relevant factors were included in the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, EHS width class, incarceration, open surgery, duration of surgery, Altemeier wound class, and therapeutic antibiotic treatment were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Third recurrence and emergency surgery were associated with fewer complications.
Conclusions: Incisional hernia repair is associated with a 15% complication rate. The EHS width classification is associated with postoperative complications. To identify patients at risk for complications, the EHS classification is useful.