2009 Faculty Researchers

Allen D. MacIntyre, PhD

Predictive factors and outcomes following ventral hernia repair in patients in the ICU

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Department

Surgery

Office Location

DC075.00

Phone #:

Office: (573) 882-8157

Summary

Our project will examine the factors that affect outcomes following ventral hernia repair, specifically those who have been transferred to the ICU during the immediate postoperative period. Hernia repair is one of the most common procedures in the country, however only a small percentage of those are transferred to the ICU. Recently, we have seen a number of patients who have demonstrated renal failure, respiratory failure, wound dehiscence and infection, sepsis and even death following some of these operations. We aim to examine the factors leading to these, sometimes, catastrophic events through the use of a retrospective study of operative technique, demographics and intensive care management principles.

Students involved will gain awareness of operative techniques, postoperative ICU management and patient factors that play a role in risk stratification for future operative endeavors. They will be expected to read about the complex pathophysiologic processes involving the multiple organ systems we plan to evaluate.