Female Patients Experience Higher Complication Rates Yet Report Enhanced Quality of Life Following Elective Ventral Hernia Repair
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By
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Ashley M. Aldridge
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Marisa H. Blackman
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Courtney E. Collins
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September 11, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Female Patients Experience Higher Complication Rates Yet Report Enhanced Quality of Life Following Elective Ventral Hernia Repair
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Ventral Hernia Repair |
| Key Mechanisms | Assessment of postoperative outcomes and patient-reported quality of life based on sex differences. |
| Target Population | Adults (≥ 18 years) undergoing elective ventral hernia repair. |
| Care Setting | Surgical care in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. |
Key Highlights
- Women account for almost half of the 350,000–400,000 ventral hernia repairs annually in the U.S.
- Postoperative complications are more frequent in female patients compared to male patients.
- Female patients report enhanced quality of life post-surgery despite higher complication rates.
- Quality of life is measured using the Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey (HerQLes).
- Pain intensity is assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize comprehensive preoperative assessments including demographic and health status variables.
Management
- Consider sex-related differences in postoperative outcomes when counseling patients.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess patient-reported outcomes at 30 days and 1 year postoperatively.
Risks
- Be aware of higher complication rates in female patients undergoing elective ventral hernia repair.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults undergoing elective ventral hernia repair, with a focus on sex differences.
Enhanced quality of life reported by female patients despite higher complication rates.
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate patient-reported outcomes in the evaluation of surgical success.
- Utilize standardized measures for pain and quality of life assessments.
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