Clinical Challenges in Hernia Surgery: Preoperative Optimization for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Recurrences and complications following abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair are common challenges for the general surgery. In this episode, the Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction team discusses evidence-based approaches to preoperative optimization and prehabilitation.  We review patient modifiable risk factors and multi-disciplinary strategies for risk, complication, and recurrence reduction.
·       Dr. Vahagn Nikolian is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, focused on abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair. 
·       Dr. Sean Orenstein is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, focused on abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair.
·       Dr. Emaad Iqbal is a resident in General Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. 
·       Dr. Shahrose Rahman is a resident in General Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University. 

Seminal Papers in Preoperative Optimization
Preoperative Optimization by Orenstein and Martindale: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30138281/
Impact of smoking cessation on wound healing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22508785/
Prehabilitation in abdominal wall reconstruction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30138261/

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