Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia repair: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: A ventral hernia, excluding femoral and inguinal hernias, is the protrusion of the contents of the abdomen through a defect in the abdominal wall.
Objectives: The aim of the current study was to compare laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair.
Materials and Methods: The present prospective randomized hospital-based observational study was conducted in the department of general surgery (I.G.I.M.S.) and included 80 patients of both genders who needed surgical intervention for non-complicated ventral hernias.
Results: The mean age of patients in the open group I was 50.83 ± 12.72 years, while the mean age in the laparoscopic group II was 42.90 ± 10.63 years. There were 34 males and 46 females in both the open and laparoscopic groups. Paraumbilical hernias were the most common in both groups, which accounted for 68.75% of all patients involved in the present study. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay in the open group was 5.32 days, which was longer as compared to the laparoscopic group (2.70 days). Postoperative seroma following laparoscopic repair accounted for 25% versus 10% following open repair.
Conclusion: According to the current study, laparoscopic ventral hernia repair offers several advantages over open repair, including less pain following surgery, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to regular activities, a lower risk of wound infection and ileus following surgery, and improved cosmetic results.