WTP4.01 Comparative Outcomes of Emergency and Elective Abdominal Wall Hernia Repairs

Aim This study aims to compare the outcomes, incidence, and post-operative complications between emergency and elective abdominal wall hernia repairs. It highlights the importance of timely elective hernia management in lowering emergency presentations and any related complications. Methods This study was a single-institution retrospective analysis of patient data over 10 years, involving patients presenting with abdominal wall hernias on both an emergency and elective basis, who underwent surgical repair. Data were collected on patient demographics, presenting symptoms, surgical technique, mesh use, post-operative complications, re-interventions, and hospital stay duration. Results A total of 3927 patients were included: 239 emergency cases (6.1%) and 3688 elective cases (93.9%). Emergency repairs had a complication rate of 32% (77 patients), while elective repairs had a complication rate of 10% (369 patients). The average hospital stay was 8 days for emergency repairs, compared to just 1 day for elective surgeries.The recurrence rate was 5% (12 patients) for emergency repairs, while it was 8% (295 patients) for elective surgeries. Mesh was used in 53% (127 cases) of emergency repairs and 56% (2069 cases) of elective surgeries.15 emergency patients required additional interventions, such as bowel resections, due to complications like strangulation and obstruction. Conclusion Emergency hernia repairs had significantly higher complication rates, longer hospital stays, and additional interventions as compared to elective surgeries. Elective repairs had lower complications, shorter stays, and more frequent mesh use. This study emphasizes the importance of timely elective hernia management in reducing emergency cases and improving patient outcomes.