Assessing the respiratory impact caused when giant hernias are reinserted into the abdominal cavity, in order to determine the optimal surgical approach

The reinsertion of a large hernia into the abdominal cavity provokes an increase in abdominal volume and pressure that can result in intra-abdominal hypertension. This, in turn, may generate a series of complex changes in cardiopulmonary physiology and induce severe respiratory insufficiency. At present, no objective method exists to evaluate the possibility of this respiratory complication occurring. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to measure the respiratory consequences of abdominal volume restriction. The data obtained were used to construct a reference table, from which the reduction in FEV1 can be predicted according to the hernia volume reinserted. Thus, the surgeon has access to more accurate information, which greatly facilitates the treatment of large abdominal hernias.