Hernia Center Labels: No Clear Edge in Ventral Hernia Repair Outcomes

In the quest for superior hernia care, researchers explored designated hernia centers (DHCs). Analyzing over 14,000 ventral hernia repairs (VHRs) from 261 sites, they found no clear advantage to DHCs. Surprisingly, non-designated hernia centers (NDHCs) displayed fewer 30-day complications and lower one-year hernia recurrence rates. The message? Current hernia center labels might not guarantee better outcomes, urging a need for standardized criteria to truly enhance hernia care value in the United States.