Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH RECURRENCE FOLLOWING VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR
Vol. 1, Issue No. 2 | July 2026
Ventral hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed abdominal wall procedures, yet recurrence remains a significant challenge that increases patient morbidity, the need for repeat surgery, healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Identifying patients at greater risk of recurrence before surgery enables surgeons to optimize modifiable factors, select appropriate repair techniques, and improve long-term outcomes.
This original research article published in the Journal of the European Society of Surgery (JESS) evaluates the clinical, patient-related, operative, and postoperative factors associated with recurrence following ventral hernia repair. The prospective observational study included 220 adult patients who underwent elective or emergency ventral hernia repair at Prime Hospital, Dubai, UAE, between January 2024 and December 2025. The study reported an overall recurrence rate of 15.0%, with recurrence occurring most frequently between 7 and 12 months after surgery. Independent predictors of recurrence included previous hernia repair, defect size greater than 5 cm, surgical site infection, overweight or obesity, diabetes mellitus, and tissue repair, while previous hernia repair emerged as the strongest predictor.
The findings also demonstrated that recurrence was significantly more common among patients with smoking history, chronic cough or COPD, and postoperative mesh infection. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive preoperative risk assessment, optimization of modifiable risk factors such as weight management and glycemic control, preference for mesh-based repair when appropriate, and strict infection prevention strategies. These measures can substantially reduce recurrence rates, improve surgical outcomes, and support evidence-based decision-making for surgeons managing ventral hernias.
