Expert Consensus for Key Components of a High-Quality Ventral Hernia Repair Operative Note

Authors

• Jonathan S Lall
• Said Maldonado
• Nicole B Lyons
• Gina Adrales
• Karla Bernardi
• Anne P Ehlers
• Hobart Harris
• Julie Holihan
• William Hope
• Jeffrey E Janis
• Michele Loor
• Clayton Petro
• Luke Putnam
• Caroline E Reinke
• John Scott Roth
• Christopher Senkowski
• Kendell Sowards
• Shirin Towfigh
• Daniel Dante Yeh
• Zuhair Ali
• Mike K Liang

Language

English

Publication Date

5-1-2025

Journal

Surgery

DOI

10.1016/j.surg.2025.109169

PMID

39947022

PMCID

PMC12519574

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

5-1-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Background: Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is one of the most commonly performed procedures by surgeons; however, there remains a lack of consensus for key components of operative reporting. Prior literature has identified several key elements that are recommended for inclusion in ventral hernia repair operative notes, but it is unclear whether these details alone make for a high-quality operative note. This study sought to determine whether experts agree on what factors make a ventral hernia repair operative note high-quality.

Study design: A prospective exploratory sequential survey-based mixed-methods design was used for round 1. Conclusions via thematic analysis from survey responses were used to establish themes/subthemes to be included in a high-quality ventral hernia repair operative note. Round 2 used a convergent design and sought to evaluate the importance of these identified themes/subthemes.

Results: Twenty-four surgeons were approached, 16 of whom completed both rounds. Nine themes and 3 subthemes were identified as essential for inclusion in a high-quality ventral hernia repair operative note. Round 2 determined that the 5 most important themes to include are accurate/adequate/pertinent details, clarity in writing, detailed/specific/comprehensive information, objective reporting of findings and procedures, and justification/rationale for decisions.

Conclusion: Based on expert consensus, this study suggests that high-quality operative notes require more than just detailed information. Instead, they must incorporate qualities spanning the 9 identified themes to ensure clarity, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness.

Keywords

Hernia, Ventral, Herniorrhaphy, Humans, Prospective Studies, Surveys and Questionnaires

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Lall, Jonathan S; Maldonado, Said; Lyons, Nicole B; et al., "Expert Consensus for Key Components of a High-Quality Ventral Hernia Repair Operative Note" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7861.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7861