OC-010 RESULTS OF PREHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX ABDOMINAL WALL DEFECTS

Abstract Aim Complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) remains challenging, even in expert centers. Complication rates are still high, especially in patients with modifiable risk factors (MRF) like obesity, smoking, or diabetes. For several surgical trajectories, prehabilitation of MRF has shown to reduce complication rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of prehabilitation in high risk MRF patients undergoing CAWR on convalescence. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in an expert hernia center. All patients undergoing complex abdominal wall defect reconstruction (hernia width beyond 10 cm, contaminated surgical field or relevant comorbidities) between 2015 and 2019 were included. Each patient was discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, after which those referred for prehabilitation were compared to those with direct approval. Focus of a supervised preconditioning program could be weight loss, smoking cessation, physical training or a combination. Results From 418 patients discussed, 259 patients underwent CAWR and were included for analysis, of which 126 (49%) underwent prehabilitation. Hernia and intra-operative characteristics were comparable. BMI (28vs30, p<0.001), HbA1c (41vs48, p=0.014), active smokers (4%vs25%, p<0.001) and risk factors (14%vs48%, p<0.001) were higher in the latter group. After prehabilitation, characteristics were comparable. There were no significant differences in postoperative outcome measures (hospital stay 6[5–8]vs6[5–8] days, p=0.908, complication rate 39%vs33%, p=0.190). Conclusions Prehabilitation of modifiable risk factors is profitable in patients planned for CAWR. Subsequent postoperative results were comparable to those without or with less risk factors: prehabilitation downgrades high risk patients to low risk patients. Prospective research is advised.