Randomized Trial of Prehabilitation Before Ventral Hernia Surgery Aiming to Reduce Postoperative Complications

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a multimodal preoptimisation programme for patients with ventral hernia defects between four and eight centimeters wide. This randomized controlled trial compares this prehabilitation approach to surgery without structured preoptimisation, aiming to reduce complications three months after surgery. The study also explores molecular changes related to collagen metabolism by collecting tissue biopsies and blood samples around the time of surgery. Participants in the intervention group follow a home-based prehabilitation programme lasting at least three months before surgery. This programme targets physical inactivity, obesity, comorbidities, smoking, and alcohol use, and is designed for both rural and urban populations. The control group receives basic advice on physical activity and weight management during their preoperative consultation. During the study, researchers collect biopsies of skin, muscle, and fascia during surgery and take blood samples before and after surgery to analyze molecular effects. Participants will be monitored for complications up to three months postoperatively, with additional assessments at twelve months including pain, quality of life, aesthetic outcomes, hernia recurrence, physical activity, weight, and various laboratory tests. The total participation time covers preoperative optimization and follow-up visits extending up to one year after surgery.

Preoptimisation in Ventral Hernia Surgery