P147 REHABILITATION AFTER VENTRAL HERNIA SURGERY IN THE NETHERLANDS: A SURVEY
Abstract Aim After any type of musculoskeletal surgery, post-operative rehabilitation with advices on weight baring and physical therapy is normal practice. Rehabilitation protocols lead to early mobilization and shorter hospitalization. Although ventral hernia repair (VHR) is musculotendinous surgery with tremendous impact on muscle strength and coordination, standardized and evidenced rehabilitation protocols for VHR are lacking. This survey aims to provide insight into the rehabilitation protocols after VHR, commonly used in the Netherlands. Material and Methods Hernia-surgeons in all Dutch hospitals were addressed in May 2021 by an electronic survey. Three cases were presented; non-complex (2 cm, primary umbilical repair), moderate-complex (8 cm, Rives-Stoppa) and complex (13 cm, myofascial release). Use of abdominal binders, advice on physical strain and referral for physical therapy were surveyed. Results 75 of 75 (100%) Dutch hospitals responded. In order of increasing hernia complexity an abdominal binder was prescribed in respectively 10%, 74% and 92% with various duration. Reduced physical strain was advised in 73%, 90% and 91%, mainly with a duration of 4-6 weeks (40%, 58% and 70%). Patients were referred for physical therapy after discharge in 4%, 15% and 41%. Conclusions This study describes the practice of rehabilitation after VHR in the Netherlands. Although abdominal binder prescription and physical strain advices increases with hernia complexity, there is no uniformity in duration. Physical therapy was advised only in a minority of the VHR patients, even after complex reconstructions. Lack of standardized rehabilitation protocols after VHR underlines the need for guidelines.