Observational Study to Evaluate Ventral Incisional Hernia Repair Using a Biologic Mesh (Cook Biodesign)

Prior to their scheduled surgery, the patient will be consented and will complete a brief quality of life survey. They will also be asked some questions about their medical history that pertain to the study, such as current/ past abdominal infections and surgeries, history of the hernia, comorbidities, etc.

During the surgery, some key data points will be recorded by the research coordinator, such as time of surgery, type of case, size of mesh used, size of the hernia defect, technique used, type of sutures used, etc. The mesh will be placed either retrorectus or intraperitoneally, after the component separation is complete. The mesh will not be used as a "bridge," and the fascial layers will be closed completely.

The research staff may photograph the repair of an enrolled patient's hernia during their treatment and will supply a copy of the photograph to Cook Medical, Inc. if the sponsor's review is requested. Any photograph taken for research purposes will be kept in a password-protected, encrypted database separate from any patient identifying information.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing a ventral incisional hernia repair with mesh
• Age range between 18 and 80 years old

Exclusion criteria

• Patients currently enrolled in a clinical trial.
• Patients with a BMI over 40
• Patients in whom the fascial layers cannot be closed or in whom "bridging" would be used
• Patients with a current abdominal abscess or infection
• Patients with healing disorders
• Pregnant women