Impact of Comorbidities on Outcomes and Healthcare Costs of Open Inguinal Hernia Repair in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

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Impact of Comorbidities on Outcomes and Healthcare Costs of Open Inguinal Hernia Repair in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Marian Mădălin Răcăreanu, Silviu Daniel Preda, Ștefan Pătraşcu, Adina Turcu-Știolică, Sandu Râmboiu, Dragoş Nicolae Mărgăritescu, Dan Cârţu, Petru Radu, Styliani Laskou, Konstantinos Sapalidis, Valeriu Șurlin
Original article, no. 2, 2024
Article DOI: 10.21614/chirurgia.2024.v.119.i.2.p.227
Introduction: Inguinal hernia management in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and comorbidities presents challenges due to potential impacts on wound healing and infection risk. This study evaluates the influence of additional comorbidities on outcomes following open inguinal hernia repair in DM patients.

Material and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Craiova Emergency Clinical County Hospital from 2015 to 2020. Patients with documented DM undergoing hernia repair were categorized into two groups based on comorbidity status. Data on presentation mode, hernia type, comorbidities, hospitalization, operative details, postoperative outcomes, and costs were collected and analyzed statistically.

Results: Among 38 DM patients undergoing hernia repair, 16 were in Group A (DM alone) and 22 in Group B (DM with comorbidities). Group B patients were older (p = 0.0002) and more likely to present emergently (OR: 13.81, p=0.0148) with incarcerated (OR: 22.733, p=0.0339) or strangulated hernias (OR: 9.4545, p=0.0390). Group B had longer hospitalizations (p=0.00132) and higher hospitalization costs (p = 0.00262).

Conclusions: DM patients with comorbidities are at higher risk for complex hernias and prolonged hospitalizations. Pulmonary fibrosis emerges as a significant comorbidity requiring specific perioperative strategies. Tailored preoperative assessments and care plans can optimize outcomes.

Keywords: inguinal hernia, diabetes mellitus, comorbidities, open repair, surgical outcomes