Trunk muscle strength assessment as a predictor of complications in patients undergoing incisional hernia repair
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By
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March 21, 2026
Objective:
To evaluate the association between preoperative trunk muscle strength and early postoperative complications in patients undergoing incisional hernia repair, highlighting its potential clinical significance.
Key Findings:
- Preoperative trunk muscle strength is associated with postoperative complications, indicating a need for strength assessment in preoperative evaluations.
- Reduced abdominal wall strength correlates with larger hernia defects, suggesting a potential target for prehabilitation.
- Strain gauge systems provide a feasible alternative for assessing muscle strength, which could improve accessibility in clinical settings.
Interpretation:
Objective quantification of trunk muscle strength may enhance perioperative risk stratification and inform prehabilitation strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Limitations:
- The study was not prospectively registered, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
- Frailty was not formally assessed, potentially underestimating baseline vulnerability and its impact on outcomes.
Conclusion:
Preoperative trunk muscle strength assessment could serve as a prognostic marker for complications in incisional hernia repair patients, suggesting the need for its integration into preoperative protocols.
