Impact of body mass index on open ventral hernia repair: A retrospective review

Increased body mass index is a risk factor for operative, medical, and respiratory complications after open ventral hernia repair. Patients with body mass index >40 kg/m2 have greater than twice the risk for complications with odds ratios increasing with increasing body mass index class. Strategies to encourage weight loss may need to be considered seriously prior to open ventral hernia repair, especially for patients with body mass index >40 kg/m2.