SP3.1.8 What happens to patients with acutely symptomatic hernia in the UK? Findings from the MASH study

Abstract Aims Acutely symptomatic abdominal wall and groin hernias (ASH) are a common reason for acute surgical admissions in the UK. There is limited data to guide treatment of such presentations. This study aimed assess outcomes emergency hernia surgery, identify management strategies, improve care these high risk patients. Methods A 12 week, UK-based, multi-centre, collaborative, prospective cohort (NCT04197271) recruited adults with ASH. Data on investigations, specific intervention, in-hospital morbidity mortality, quality life was measured. 30 90-day follow-up phone calls collected complications life. Descriptive analyses were performed describe population outcomes. Results Twenty-three Trusts 264 Inguinal (37.9%) umbilical (37.1%) most locations. 17% awaiting elective surgery had been previously declined intervention. CT 47%. 82% patients within 48 hours, 95% procedures open 93% under general anaesthesia. 3/11 laparoscopic converted open. Mesh used 55%, this typically synthetic non-absorbable (86%). Complications infrequent; 2% developed pneumonia or delirium. Surgical site infection occurred 3% mortality 1.2%. Quality improved between baseline 30-days following repair. Conclusions variation ASH UK, particularly repair techniques, use mesh laparoscopy. One five repair; might indicate need expedited pathways reprioritising