Multidisciplinary approach as a treatment option for abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with heart failure: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Incisional hernias are among the most frequent complications of abdominal surgery, with an incidence of 4–10 % of patients [1]. The multidisciplinary approach according to the patient's needs and their comorbidities has been shown to improve postoperative outcomes. This case report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach including cardiology, general surgery, plastic surgery anesthesiology and intensive care unit for abdominal wall reconstruction in a patient with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 61-year-old patient with long-standing incisional hernia, without surgical correction due to the patient's condition and multiple comorbidities, advanced heart failure with reduced left ejection fraction (10–15 %) who underwent a multidisciplinary approach by cardiology, plastic surgery, anesthesiology, intensive care unit, and general surgery. DISCUSSION: The patient underwent abdominal wall reconstruction without complications. Due to multiple comorbidities, the patient was admitted in the ICU in the immediate postoperative period. He was discharged 9 days after surgery. The patient did not report long-term complications. CONCLUSION: Heart failure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications during surgical hospitalization. In patients with multiple comorbidities, the multidisciplinary approach represents an essential strategy in order to improve the surgical outcome, reduce costs to the health care system, and improve the patient's quality of life.