Is old age a contraindication to elective ventral hernia repair?

Background: Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is a frequent problem in the expanding aging population. However, advanced age is often viewed as a contraindication to elective hernia surgery. We aimed to analyze outcomes of VHR in a large cohort of elderly patients. We hypothesized that elective VHR is safe and effective even in patients over 70 years old. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients over the age of 70 who underwent VHR at a at a tertiary care hospital. Main outcome measures included postoperative complications and recurrence rate. Results: Between 2006 and 2015, 263 elderly patients who underwent elective VHR were included. Major comorbidities included diabetes, COPD, and smoking history. The majority of the patients underwent open repairs. Surgical site events occurred in 54 patients (21%). Postoperative complications included 17 venous thromboembolism occurrences, 2 myocardial infarctions, 41 patients who required postoperative critical care, and 1 mortality. Readmission within 90 days postoperatively occurred in 34 patients (13%). At a mean follow-up of 25.6 months, 17 patients in the open group and 6 patients in the laparoscopic group had a recurrence. Conclusion: We demonstrated that VHR can be performed reasonably safely and effectively even in this potentially risky cohort. The use of laparoscopy might be associated with further reduction in morbidity. Overall, age should not be a contraindication to elective VHR, even in patients over 70 years old.