Etiology of defect: Congenital, previous surgery, trauma, and resection

History of hernia repair: Description of attempts, techniques used, presence of mesh, location, type, and concurrent intra abdominal procedures

Duration defect has been present

Associated symptoms: Chronic pain, bowel obstruction, physical mobility, and psychosocial impact

Nutritional status

History of smoking or pulmonary disease

Steroids or immunosuppressive medications and autoimmune disease

Body mass index (BMI): Weight (kg)/[Height (m)]²

Abdominal wall defect description

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  Location

  
  
  
  
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    Midline or lateral

    
    
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    Upper, middle, or lower abdomen

  
  
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  Tissue defect

  
  
  
  
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    Skin and subcutaneous tissue

    
    
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    Myofascial

    
    
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    Full thickness

  
  
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  Size of defect

  
  
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  Condition of existing tissues

Pre-existing incisions

Evidence of loss of domain

Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen with contrast may be helpful to delineate the extent of the defect, the related anatomy, and other relevant information (e.g., bowel adhesions, abscesses)

Pulmonary function testing should be performed if there is pre-existing respiratory compromise or suspicion for loss of domain from a large hernia