The impact of developing a comprehensive hernia center on the referral patterns and complexity of hernia care.

摘要: Complex hernia repairs represent a formidable surgical challenge. Several comprehensive centers, including ours, with advanced expertise have recently emerged across the country. However, effects of tertiary specialization remain largely unclear. We aimed to evaluate impact developing center on referral patterns and costs patients complex hernias. A prospectively maintained database was used identify all undergoing open ventral repair (VHR) between 2006 2013 at Case Comprehensive Hernia Center. Patients were separated into two groups by zip code: those traveling either 100 miles. Demographics, operative characteristics, length stay data analyzed. Of who underwent VHR during study period, 287 met inclusion criteria. length, width area significantly larger for >100 miles (P  compared incurred higher fixed direct variable traveled more The implications improved patient outcomes potential reimbursement issues providing this care should be carefully evaluated.