Introduction

Recurrences and complications following abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair are common challenges for the general surgery. In this episode, the Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction team discusses evidence-based approaches to preoperative optimization and prehabilitation.  We review patient modifiable risk factors and multi-disciplinary strategies for risk, complication, and recurrence reduction.
·       Dr. Vahagn Nikolian is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, focused on abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair. 
·       Dr. Sean Orenstein is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, focused on abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair.
·       Dr. Emaad Iqbal is a resident in General Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. 
·       Dr. Shahrose Rahman is a resident in General Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University. 

Seminal Papers in Preoperative Optimization
Preoperative Optimization by Orenstein and Martindale: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30138281/
Impact of smoking cessation on wound healing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22508785/
Prehabilitation in abdominal wall reconstruction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30138261/

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