Surgical unit volume has a minor influence on recurrence rates after open groin hernia repairs, which is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
- Reoperation rates for recurrence range from 1.9% to 2.8%, with medium-high volume units showing a significant increase (hazard ratio 1.14).
- Emergency repairs at low-volume units have a concerning increased reoperation risk (hazard ratio 2.13).
Surgeons should consider unit volume when selecting sites for elective and emergency groin hernia repairs.
- Complications are more prevalent in medium-high (odds ratio 1.22) and low-medium (odds ratio 1.21) volume units.
Journal Article by Melkemichel M, Weiler D (…) Widhe B et 2 al. in BMC Surg
Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
