Research and Innovation

The TriHealth Hernia Center is dedicated to ongoing improvement to the care and outcomes of our patients. To help assure this improvement, our surgeons are involved in ongoing continuing quality improvement and active research.

We participate in the The Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) which aims to improve the value in hernia care delivered to patients. Formed in 2013 by hernia surgeons in private practice and academic settings, the AHSQC utilizes concepts of continuous quality improvement to improve outcomes and optimize costs. This is accomplished through patient-centered data collection, ongoing performance feedback to clinicians, and improvement based on analysis of collected data and collaborative learning. This data base currently includes over 60,000 patients and over 400 surgeons from across North and South America. We are the only surgeons in Southern Ohio, Southern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky to participate in this database. This information supports national improvement protocols to care to include but not limited to improved clinical pathways, appropriate mesh products, surgical technique, and hernia prevention both initial and reoccurring.

We also participate in active clinical research through the Hatton Research Institute.

Current Studies:

COPE (Confronting the Opioid Epidemic) Study:

The opioid epidemic is a national healthcare concern. There is a risk of long-term chronic opioid use after minor surgical procedures. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a multimodal, low-volume opioid prescription pill pack on postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing outpatient inguinal or umbilical hernia surgery.

Principle Investigator: Stuart Donovan MD FACS
Study Closed: Abstract Submitted for peer review

Pre and Post-Operative Exercise Program with Abdominal Wall Reconstructive Surgery

Purpose of Study is to determine if preoperative and postoperative exercise programs are beneficial for long term abdominal wall strength and function after hernia repair. The Hypothesis of the study is that patients participating in a structured exercise regimen pre and post abdominal hernia surgery will experience significantly improved recovery, a faster time to return to normal daily activity, and more positive long term effects on abdominal wall strength and function than patients not receiving a structured exercise regimen. This is the first research study to incorporate Pavilion Physical Therapy and the Bethesda Department of Surgery.

Principle Investigator: Bryan J. Ellis DO FACS
Study Coordinator: Kathryn Waligura

Open and accruing patients 18-80 years old.

Use of Tools/Apps to Prevent Risk to our Patients

There has been the development of easy to use applications to allow our patient’s history and overall health indicators to help predict risk involved with their surgery and allow for the development of an individualized plan of care together with our patients to mitigate that risk.

• AHSQC app - used for patients for pre and post exercise therapy
• CeDar app - for predicting wound infection and post op costs for wound infection
• CeQOL app - which predicts post op pain and abdominal function.

TriHealth Comprehensive Hernia Program is a member of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative.