Onlay versus Sublay Mesh Repair for Ventral Hernia

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Introduction: Ventral hernia repair is among the most common surgical operations performed worldwide and the two operative techniques most frequently used in case of ventral hernia are the onlay and sublay repair. However, it remains unclear which technique is superior. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of the onlay versus sublay mesh repair for ventral hernia. Patients and Methods: A total of 200 patients with paraumbilical, epigastric and supraumbilical incisional hernias were divided into main two groups; A; onlay mesh repair and B; sublay mesh repair. End Points:The primary end point of the study was recurrence of the hernia, defined as a clinically detectable characteristic swelling and diagnosed by the two authors. The secondary end points were operative time, drainage time, seroma formation and purulent wound infection. Results: The mean operative time for onlay repair was 67.04 ± 13.19 minutes while in sublay group was 93.26 ± 24.94 minutes ranged from 60 to 140 minutes. As regard the drainage time, the mean total time in days was 7.47 ± 1.7 days in onlay repair while in sublay group was 4.5 ± 1.1 days. Seroma formation after suction drain removal was observed in 6% patients in group A and in 2% in group B. Purulent wound infection was observed in 8% and 4% patients in group A and B respectively treated with dressing and proper antibiotic according to culture tests. Disease recurrence was observed in 8 % and 3 % patients of group A and B respectively. Conclusion: Sublay mesh repair is a good alternative to onlay mesh repair that may be applicable to all forms of ventral hernia. The mesh related overall complication rate is low such as drainage time, seroma formation and wound infection as well as the low recurrence rate. The authors concluded for trials on sublay mesh repair with a large number of cases and a longer period of follow-up.