A Comparative Prospective Study of Laparoscopic and Open-Mesh Repair for Ventral Hernia

Abstract

Comparisons between laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) and open ventral hernia repair(OVHR) outcomes have previously been published in multicentre trials, randomized control studies, cross-sectional analysis, and meta-analysis. There was significant heterogeneity among some trials. Hence, an attempt was made in the present study to compare the outcome of patients undergoing open and laparoscopic mesh repair for ventral hernia. Seventy patients aged 18 to 64 years having ventral abdominal hernia admitted in Poona Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, between February 2015 and March 2016 for hernia surgery and ready to participate in this study were included. Statistical significance of difference of categorical variables was tested using chi-square test whereas independent sample t test was used for parametric data. Non-parametric data were tested using Mann-Whitney U test. Mean visual analogue scale score was significantly higher in OVHR group as compared to LVHR group, 4.37 and 3.63 at 24 h (p = 0.001), 2.74 and 2.17 at 48 h (p = 0.005), and 2.33 and 1.88 at 72 h (p = 0.003), respectively. Median duration of hospital stay was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in OVHR group (4 days) as compared to LVHR group (3 days). There was no statistically significant difference in post-operative complications (Clavian-Dindo Classification) at 3 months between the two groups. LVHR is better option for ventral hernia repair than OVHR.