BACKGROUND: Although preoperative administration of high-dose glucocorticoid may lead to improved recovery after operative procedures, this regimen has not been examined in patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction for repair of large ventral hernias. The aim of the current trial was to examine the effects of preoperative, single high-dose glucocorticoid on recovery after abdominal wall reconstruction.

METHOD: Forty patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction for repair of ventral incisional hernias with a horizontal fascial defect >10 cm were randomized to intravenous administration of either 125 mg methylprednisolone or placebo at the induction of anesthesia. The primary endpoint was pain in the supine position as assessed by a numeric rating scale of 0 to 10 at rest at 8 am on the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain during activity, nausea, fatigue, inflammatory response (measured by plasma levels of C-reactive protein), duration of stay, and 30-day complications or readmissions.

RESULTS: There was no difference in pain at rest on the first postoperative day (methylprednisolone mean 1.7 vs placebo 2.2, P > .95), whereas patients in the methylprednisolone group reported less pain during activity (mean 3.0 vs 5.0; P = .011) and during coughing (3.4 vs 5.9; P = .010). There were no differences between the 2 groups regarding postoperative fatigue or nausea. Postoperative levels of C-reactive protein were less in the methylprednisolone group (P = .039).

CONCLUSION: A single-shot, high-dose methylprednisolone before abdominal wall reconstruction for a large incisional hernia decreased early postoperative pain and attenuated the inflammatory response.