November 9, 2019

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) held its 78th Annual Meeting this September 18-21 in Dallas, Texas.

This year, the AAST invited Dr. Andrea Pakula to share her expert knowledge on challenging hernia scenarios requiring surgical evaluation and intervention in a session titled, The Battle of the Bulge: Managing Emergent Hernia Cases Like a Pro.

The Acute Care Surgery Continuous Certification Session, developed by the AAST Education Committee, focused on emergency general surgery as the “third pillar” of acute care surgery.

Dr. Pakula presented challenging hernia scenarios that require urgent surgical evaluation and intervention. The discussion included clinically useful information and reviewed the most up-to-date evidence-based guidelines and algorithms related to urgent hernia scenarios.

From patients presenting with incarcerated ventral/inguinal hernias to those with compromised bowel from a strangulated hernia, Dr. Pakula emphasized the importance of knowing the relevant anatomy, pros and cons of open versus laparoscopic approaches, and guidelines for mesh use in high-risk or contaminated fields.

Dr. Pakula is dedicated to the treatment, education, and research of both open and robotic techniques for primary hernia repair as well as complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Known for her clinical expertise and revolutionary approaches, Dr. Pakula has significantly advanced current researchpractices and training in acute care surgery techniques and continues to be a leader in advancing trauma and emergency surgical care.