About the Project

The AFTERHERNIA Project is a pioneering research initiative focused on evaluating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following hernia repair surgeries. Unlike traditional studies that primarily emphasize clinical metrics such as reoperation rates and immediate postoperative complications, AFTERHERNIA places the patient’s perspective at the forefront. By collecting and analyzing PROs from individuals across Denmark who have undergone groin or ventral hernia repairs, this project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the long-term impacts of these surgeries on patients' quality of life.

Goals and Objectives

Evaluate Surgical Techniques: Assess the impact of various surgical techniques on patient-centered outcomes to determine the most effective methods for hernia repair.
Identify Influencing Factors: Analyze patient-related and surgical factors that influence postoperative outcomes to better understand which variables contribute to patient satisfaction and quality of life.
Inform Clinical Guidelines: Use the insights gained from patient-reported data to inform and potentially revise clinical guidelines and treatment protocols for hernia repairs, ensuring they align more closely with patient needs and expectations.

Research Team

The AFTERHERNIA Project is led by a multidisciplinary team of experts:

Professor Jacob Rosenberg, MD, DMSc: Principal applicant and world-renowned expert in hernia research, recognized for his extensive work in randomized controlled trials and contributions to clinical guidelines.
Jason Joe Baker, MD, PhD: Experienced in literature and registry research within ventral hernias, overseeing the adaptation and validation of the "Abdominal Hernia Q" questionnaire for the Danish context.
Hugin Reistrup, MD, PhD-student: Specializes in managing data from the Danish National Patient Register, ensuring seamless data collection and integrity.
Dr. Anders Gram-Hanssen: Focuses on the development and implementation of patient-reported outcome measures, leading the validation and translation of the "Abdominal Hernia Q" questionnaire into Danish.
And also other dedicated PhD-students, medical students, secretary etc.

Collaborators and Partners

The project is supported by key partnerships:

Statistics Company: Conducts sophisticated data analyses to ensure robust and accurate interpretation of the collected data.
IT Firm: Enhances the user-friendliness of the questionnaires, aiming to maximize response rates and improve the overall participant experience.
Regional EPJ Data Departments: Facilitates access to contact information for follow-up with non-responding patients, ensuring comprehensive data collection.

Methodology

The AFTERHERNIA Project employs a nationwide survey approach, utilizing the Abdominal Hernia-Q and Groin Hernia-Q questionnaires to gather patient-reported outcomes. These questionnaires have been adapted and validated for the Danish population, ensuring their relevance and accuracy. Data from these questionnaires will be integrated with clinical information from the Danish Hernia Database and the Danish National Patient Register, enabling a detailed analysis of both clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

Impact and Future Directions

The findings from the AFTERHERNIA Project are expected to significantly influence clinical practices and healthcare policies related to hernia repairs. By integrating patient-reported outcomes into the evaluation framework, the project aims to improve surgical techniques and patient care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals undergoing hernia repairs.

Thank you for your interest in the AFTERHERNIA Project. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the field of hernia surgery and patient care.

Last updated: 26. February 2025

Responsible editor

Anders Gram-Hanssen

​​​About the Project​