The EHS (European Hernia Society) classification of incisional hernias uses the location and width of the defect. A midline incisional hernia with a defect width of 8 cm is classified as:

• A W2 (medium, ≥4 to <10 cm) ✓
• B W1 (small, <4 cm)
• C W3 (large, ≥10 cm)
• D W2 or W3 depending on height of the defect

Explanation

The EHS incisional hernia classification grades defect width as: W1 <4 cm (small), W2 ≥4 to <10 cm (medium), W3 ≥10 cm (large). A defect of 8 cm falls within W2 (medium). Location is classified as midline (M1–M5 based on position from xiphoid to pubis) or lateral (L1–L4). This classification guides surgical planning: W1 may be amenable to primary suture repair in some cases; W2–W3 require mesh reinforcement, and W3 may require component separation or biologic mesh.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.