Obesity and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Outcomes, Implications, and Optimization

It has never been more important for surgeons to effectively and efficiently perform ventral hernia repairs, which optimize outcomes and the value of care. Surgical patients in the United States are becoming increasingly complex. The comorbid diseases each unique patient brings to the operation further complicate the effort to optimize surgical outcomes. Obesity poses specific challenges to surgeons who deal with abdominal wall reconstruction. Herein, we discuss the impact of obesity and its associated comorbidities on the outcome of abdominal wall reconstruction and offer suggestions on how to optimize patients for best results.