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The SAGES Manual of Hernia Surgery pp 595–610Cite as

Establishing a Hernia Program

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Abstract

Abdominal wall and groin hernias are among the most common pathologies seen by clinicians. The prevalence of these hernias is on the rise due to their strong relationship to patient comorbidities such as smoking and obesity. Patients with comorbidities are not only more likely to develop a hernia, but they are also more likely to suffer a major complication whether their hernia is treated (e.g., hernia recurrence) or not (e.g., incarceration). In addition, after each failed repair, a successful subsequent repair is less and less likely.

Because of this, there has been interest in regionalization of care for patients with comorbidities or complex hernias. Specialized hernia programs aim to improve outcomes, control cost, and promote research. This chapter will review the evidence behind and provide a guide to development of a Hernia Center of Excellence. In addition, evidence for and guide to long-term follow-up of patients with hernias will be discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Karla Bernardi & Mike K. Liang

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  1. Karla Bernardi
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  2. Mike K. Liang
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Correspondence to Mike K. Liang .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    S. Scott Davis, Jr.

  2. Weill Med College At Cornell University, New York, NY, USA

    Gregory Dakin

  3. Stony Brook Surgical Associates, Centereach, NY, USA

    Andrew Bates

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© 2019 Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)

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Bernardi, K., Liang, M.K. (2019). Establishing a Hernia Program. In: Davis, Jr., S., Dakin, G., Bates, A. (eds) The SAGES Manual of Hernia Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78411-3_44

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78411-3_44

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