Optimizing outcomes after hernia repair: scientific highlights from the Danish Hernia Database 2010–2020

The National Danish Inguinal Hernia Database (1997) and Ventral Hernia Database (2007), together the Danish Hernia Database, was launched to monitor and optimize surgical quality and outcomes after hernia repairs. The purpose of the present qualitative review was to present five “highlight” publications from the 123 published/in press (October 2020) original publications from the Danish Hernia Database. Two international hernia experts independently nominated 10 publications from the Database publication list published between 2010 and 2020. Each of the 10 members of the database steering group ranked the 10 publications according to the following three categories: (I) originality, (II) methodology, and (III) clinical impact. The publications were ranked as 1= good, 2= very good, 3= outstanding. The five publications with the highest score were depicted as highlights. The publications dealt with: (I) long-term mesh-related complications after incisional hernia repair, (II) outcomes after parastomal hernia repairs, (III) mesh or suture repair of ventral hernias in women having subsequent pregnancy, (IV) reoperation for recurrence versus clinical recurrence rates, and (V) recurrence rates after resorbable versus non-resorbable tackers for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Data from the Danish Hernia Database is internationally acknowledged. The nationwide Danish data supplements the higher-ranking evidence by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by adding evidence-based answers to scientifically clinically relevant questions. The Danish Hernia Database is still active after more than 20 years.