Clinical Scorecard: Analysis of the Bibliometric Influence of the Ventral Hernia Working Group's Publication
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Ventral (incisional) hernia repair
Key Mechanisms
Patient risk factors for wound complications including comorbidities (smoking, obesity, diabetes, immunosuppression, COPD) and contamination level; mesh selection based on hernia grading
Target Population
Patients undergoing ventral hernia repair with varying comorbidities
Care Setting
Surgical and clinical research settings focused on hernia repair
Key Highlights
The 2010 VHWG publication introduced a 4-level grading system for ventral hernias based on patient risk factors and contamination level.
VHWG recommended biologic mesh for higher grade hernias (Grades 2–4) despite lack of randomized trials at the time.
Bibliometric analysis showed increased frequency of research on biologic mesh and comorbidities in ventral hernia literature post-VHWG publication.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use patient comorbidities (smoking, obesity, diabetes, immunosuppression, COPD) and contamination status to grade ventral hernias.
Management
Select mesh type based on VHWG hernia grade, considering biologic mesh for Grades 2–4 hernias.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor wound complications in patients with high-risk comorbidities undergoing ventral hernia repair.
Risks
Recognize that certain patient characteristics may increase risk of wound complications with permanent synthetic mesh.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with ventral hernias and comorbidities such as COPD, smoking, diabetes, immunosuppression, and obesity
Post-2010 literature shows increased focus on biologic mesh use and comorbidity impact, reflecting VHWG publication influence on research priorities.
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate patient risk factors and contamination level into hernia grading to guide mesh selection.
Consider biologic mesh for higher risk hernias as per VHWG recommendations, acknowledging limited randomized trial data.
Stay informed on evolving evidence regarding comorbidities’ impact on ventral hernia repair outcomes.
by Sara M. Maskal, Sergio Mazzola Poli de Figueiredo, Matthew Weaver, Mary Schleicher, Chao Tu, Ryan C. Ellis, Kimberly Woo, Aldo Fafaj, Daphne Remulla, Benjamin T. Miller, Clayton C. Petro, Lucas R.A. Beffa, Ajita S. Prabhu, Michael J. Rosen
