Open Incisional Hernia Repair Research Articles

Open transversus abdominis release in incisional hernia repair: technical limits and solutions.

Incisional hernias with a defect width of more than10cm are considered complex. The European Hernia Society guidelines recommend that such hernias should only be repaired by surgeons with experience of component separation. The standard component separation technique now is posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (PCSTAR). Questions are raised about the limits of this technique. A literature search of publications on PCSTAR was performed for any references to the limits of this technique in open incisional hernia repair. We found 26 publications relevant to answer this research questions. The standard PCSTAR can generally be used for a defect width of up to 15-17cm. For defects greater than 17cm problems must be expected with procedural tasks involving closure of the posterior layer and anterior fascia. No data are available in the literature on the bridging rate for the posterior layer. However, our own experiences show that gaps (holes) occur in the very thin peritoneum/fascia transversalis during dissection and these must be carefully closed. Furthermore, bridging with an absorbable synthetic mesh is needed not so rarely. Closure of the anterior fascia is successful in 81.0-97.2% of cases. In addition to a further mesh for anterior fascial closure, the hernia sac bound with multiple, accordion-like stitches can also be used. For a defect width greater than 17cm, the limits of PCSTAR become increasingly evident and can be overcome through special technical solutions for closure of the posterior layer and the anterior fascia.

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP): an underestimated problem after incisional hernia treatment

BackgroundChronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a potential long-term problem following open incisional hernia repair which may affect the quality of life of patients despite successful anatomical repair of the hernia. The aim of this manuscript was to identify the incidence and outcome of patients following open incisional hernia repair in respect of risk factors to develop CPSP.MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis of patients who underwent open incisional hernia repair between 2015 and 2021 was performed. Pre-existing conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus and malignancy), hernia complexity, postoperative complications, and postoperative pain medication were analyzed using the local database. Quality of life and CPSP were assessed using the EuraHS Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire.ResultsA total of 182 cases were retrospectively included in a detailed analysis based on the complete EuraHS (QoL) questionnaire. During the average follow-up period of 46 months, this long-term follow-up revealed a 54.4% incidence of CPSP and including a rate of 14.8% for severe CPSP (sCPSP) after open incisional hernia surgery. The complexity of the hernia and the demographic variables were not different between the group with and without CPSP. Patients with CPSP reported significantly reduced QoL. The analgesics score which includes the need of pain medication in the initial days after surgery was significantly higher in patients with CPSP than in those without (no CPSP: 2.86 vs. CPSP: 3.35; p = 0.047).ConclusionThe presence of CPSP after open incisional hernia repair represents a frequent and underestimated long-term problem which has been not been recognized to this extent before. CPSP impairs QoL in these patients. Patients at risk to develop CPSP can be identified in the perioperative setting by the need of high doses of pain medication using the analgesics score. Possibly timely adjustment of pain medication, even in the domestic setting, could alleviate the chronicity or severity of CPSP.

The changes in abdominal wall muscles following incisional hernia wall reconstruction.

The objective of incisional hernia surgery is to achieve the restoration of abdominal wall anatomical and physiological functions. This study aims to investigate the impact of abdominal wall reconstruction on abdominal muscle alterations by measuring the preoperative and postoperative changes in abdominal wall muscles in patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. For patients undergoing open incisional hernia abdominal wall reconstruction, preoperative and postoperative abdominal CT scans were analyzed at a minimum of 3months post-surgery. 3D Slicer software was utilized for measuring preoperative and postoperative changes in abdominal cavity volume, abdominal muscle volume, as well as muscle volume, cross-sectional area, and abdominal circumference at specific levels. The acquired data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software. A total of 40 patients meeting the inclusion criteria underwent open incisional hernia repair surgery. Some of these patients required component separation technique (CST) due to the larger size of the hernia sac. The abdominal muscles surrounding the hernia ring were defined as the "damaged group," while the remaining abdominal muscles were defined as the "undamaged group." Measurements revealed a significant increase in the volume of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles in the damaged group. Similarly, there was a corresponding increase in the volume of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles in the undamaged group. After abdominal wall reconstruction in incisional hernia patients, not only is their anatomical structure restored, but the overall biomechanical integrity of the abdominal wall is also repaired. The damaged muscles are subjected to renewed loading, leading to the reversal of disuse atrophy and an increase in muscle volume.

PROphylactic closed incision Negative-PRESSure treatment in open incisional hernia repair: Protocol for a multicenter randomized trial (PROPRESS study)

BackgroundNegative Pressure Therapy in closed incisions (ciNPT) after surgery has shown positive effects including reduction of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) incidence. In patients undergoing elective open incisional hernia repair, however, ciNPT is not standard care, perhaps due to high-quality evidence still not provided. This study hypothesizes that this patient group would benefit from ciNPT by reducing wound complications and improving postoperative quality of life. MethodThis is a multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) including a total of 110 patients allocated in a 1:1 ratio with one intervention arm and one active control arm receiving ciNPT (i.e., Prevena™) and standard wound dressing, respectively. The primary outcome is the incidence of SSI at 30 days postoperatively and secondary outcomes are 1) pooled incidence of Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO), 2) patient-reported pain and satisfaction with the scar, and 3) hernia-related quality of life. ConclusionPatients undergoing elective open incisional hernia repair are fragile with a high risk of wound complication development. This multicenter RCT seeks to deliver the high-quality evidence needed to establish the role ciNPT must play for exactly this group with the aim of reducing SSI incidence and health economic costs, and finally improving quality of life. There are no theoretical or clinical experience of unwanted consequences of this treatment.

Aesthetic Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction in Laparoscopic vs. Open Incisional Hernia Repair: Have We Asked the Patients?

Background: Incisional hernias are predominantly treated through open or laparoscopic surgery, with each method influencing recovery and patient-reported outcomes. This underscores the need for reliable assessment tools such as the EuraHS-QoL questionnaire to evaluate quality of life after surgery. Methods: This prospective single-center study was aimed at evaluating aestethic outcomes and patient satisfaction following laparoscopic versus open hernia repair. It involved 222 patients categorized by type of approach. The EuraHS-QoL questionnaire was used preoperatively and at 1- and 3-months post-surgery, with data analysis performed using Origin Pro 2018 and SPSS software version 28.0. Results: Among the participants, 152 were females and 70 males, with 78% undergoing open surgery and 22% laparoscopic. Findings revealed superior patient outcomes with laparoscopic repair in terms of pain management, daily activities, and aesthetic satisfaction. Patients reported significantly lower pain levels and fewer restrictions in daily activities post-laparoscopic surgery. While initial postoperative cosmetic results favored laparoscopic methods, the perceived differences in abdominal shape diminished over time. Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair significantly improves quality of life compared to open surgery, as shown by EuraHS-QoL scores. These results support the use of laparoscopic techniques in appropriate cases due to their benefits in pain reduction and faster functional recovery.

Early outcomes of open anterior versus posterior components separation with transversus abdominis release for large median incisional hernias: a retrospective stepwise analysis.

Complex incisional hernia is still a debatable topic, with increasing incidence and an increased local and systemic postoperative morbidity and mortality. The size of the defect is a risk factor for both difficult closure and 30-day readmission due to complications. The main option for closure such defect is a mesh augmented component separation technique. The goal was to evaluate 30-day wound events and general complications including 90days mortality. We present a retrospective study that includes patients from two different university hospitals who underwent open incisional hernia repair with anterior component or posterior component separation between January 2015 and December 2021. Only non-contaminated adult patients (over 18years old) with postoperative primary or recurrent median abdominal wall defects larger than 6cm and with complete fascial closure were included. Demographics (age, gender, Body Mass Index-BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification-ASA score), recurrence rank, and co-morbidities), operative details, patient outcomes complications were collected. A native abdomen/pelvis computerized tomography (CT) scan was performed preoperatively in all patients and the anatomy of the defect and volumetry (abdominal cavity volume, incisional hernia volume and peritoneal volume) were evaluated. One of the component separation technique was performed according to Carbonell's equation. Two hundred and two patients (101 from each group) were included. The patients with posterior component separation were more comorbid and with larger defects. The procedure was longer with 80min but overall length of hospital stay shorter (p < 0.001) for posterior component separation. Seroma, hematoma and skin necrosis were equally distributed for both group of patients and there was no direct relation to surgery (OR 0.887, 95% CI 0.370-2.125, p = 0.788; OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.677-3.33, p = 0.318 and OR 0.386, 95% CI 0.117-1.276, p = 0.119). Surgical Site Infection rate was increased for anterior component separation (p =0.004). Complex incisional hernia repair is a challenge given by a large amount of wound complications. Choosing between anterior and posterior component separation is still a source of significant debate. We were not able to depict significant different rates of complications between the procedures and we couldn't find any specific factor related to complications.

The effect of an abdominal binder on postoperative outcome after open incisional hernia repair in sublay technique: a multicenter, randomized pilot trial (ABIHR-II)

IntroductionAlthough the evidence is minimal, an abdominal binder is commonly prescribed after open incisional hernia repair (IHR) to reduce pain. This study aimed to investigate this common postoperative treatment.MethodsThe ABIHR-II trial was a national prospective, randomized, multicenter non-AMG/MPG pilot study with two groups of patients (wearing an abdominal binder (AB) for 2 weeks during daytime vs. not wearing an AB following open IHR with the sublay technique). Patient enrollment took place from July 2020 to February 2022. The primary endpoint was pain at rest on the 14th postoperative day (POD) using the visual analog scale (VAS). The use of analgesics was not systematically recorded. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used.ResultsA total of 51 individuals were recruited (25 women, 26 men; mean age 61.4 years; mean body mass index 30.65 kg/m2). The per-protocol analysis included 40 cases (AB group, n = 21; No-AB group, n = 19). Neither group showed a significant difference in terms of pain at rest, limited mobility, general well-being, and seroma formation and rate. Patients among the AB group had a significantly lower rate of surgical site infection (SSI) on the 14th POD (AB group 4.8% (n = 1) vs. No-AB group 27.8% (n = 5), p = 0.004).ConclusionWearing an AB did not have an impact on pain and seroma formation rate but it may reduce the rate of postoperative SSI within the first 14 days after surgery. Further trials are mandatory to confirm these findings.

Mallipudi hernioplasty: A novel tension free open incisional hernia repair

Surgical management of incisional hernia remains a challenge to surgeons practicing the art of hernia repair. A novel tension free open incisional hernia repair combined with abdominal panniculectomy is described in detail. Our unpublished data of over 200 patients shows a recurrence rate of 2% over a ten-year period with follow up ranging between 2 to 15 years. This is an excellent technique for open incisional hernia repair.

BJS-01 NATIONWIDE ANALYSIS OF SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES AFTER OPEN VS. ROBOT-ASSISTED REPAIR OF VENTRAL HERNIA

Abstract Background The aim was to evaluate short-term outcomes after robot-assisted and open repair of primary ventral and incisional hernia. Methods Nationwide register-based cohort study with data from the Danish Ventral Hernia Database and the National Danish Patients Registry from January 1, 2017 to August 22, 2022. Robot-assisted ventral hernia repairs were propensity score matched 1:3 with open repairs according to the confounding variables defect size, type of hernia, Charlson comorbidity index score, and age. Logistic regression analyses were performed for factors associated with length of stay &amp;gt; 2 days, readmission, and reoperation within 90 days. Results A total of 550 and 1,655 patients underwent robot-assisted and open repair, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay in days was 0.5 vs. 1.9 for robot-assisted and open approach, respectively, (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and open approach was correlated with risk of length of stay &amp;gt; 2 days (OR 4.69, CI 6.56–7.85, P &amp;lt; 0.001). The incidence of readmission and reoperation within 90 days of discharge was significantly lower after robot-assisted repair compared to open approach (7.0% vs. 15.6%, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and (2.0% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.013), respectively. Open approach was independently associated with increased risk of readmission and reoperation (OR 2.46, CI 1.73–3.51, P = 0.005) and (OR 2.30, CI 1.21–4.38, P = 0.011), respectively. Conclusion Robot-assisted ventral hernia repair is safe and feasible and associated with shorter length of stay and decreased risk of readmission and surgical reintervention compared with open ventral hernia repair.

OC-096 Short-Term Results of Transversus Abdominis Release in Patients under Immunosuppression

Abstract Aim Immunosuppressive medication might increase the likelihood of wound morbidity, with possible higher rate of surgical site infections (SSIs). We aim to identify short-term outcomes and hospital stay after incisional hernia repair with transversus abdominis release (TAR) in patients with versus without immunosuppression. Material &amp; Methods All patients undergoing open incisional abdominal wall hernia repair with uni-or bilateral TAR from January 2021 through November 2022 were identified using a prospectively maintained database. Minimum follow-up was 30 days. Outcomes included 30-day SSIs, seroma rate, hospital stay, and early recurrence. Results Twenty-seven patients with immunosuppressive medication were identified and 75 without (mean age 59.0 ± 13.9 vs. 65.1 ± 11.4, 74.1% vs. 46.7% male, respectively). Median hernia width was 7.7 ± 5.1 cm vs. 7.9 ± 4.3 cm respectively. At 30 days follow-up, SSI rate was 1/27 (3.7%) in the group under immunosuppression and 5/75 (6.7%) in the group without (p = 0.575). Seroma rate was 3/27 (11.1%) vs. 12/75 (16.0%), respectively (p = 0.539). Mean hospital stay was 6.0 ± 3.6 days in the immunosuppression group vs 8.1 ± 6.7 days in the group without (p = 0.052). No early recurrences were detected in either group. Conclusion Immunosuppression does not significantly increase the risk of short-term complications in incisional hernia repair with transversus abdominis release. There is a trend towards a shorter hospital stay in patients under immunosuppression, possibly related to a reduced inflammatory response.

Robotic transversus abdominis release: A paradigm shift in complex abdominal wall surgery?

Abdominal wall reconstruction techniques have evolved significantly over the last fifty years and continue to do so at an increasing pace. Beginning with open incisional hernia repair with bilateral rectus myofascial release, multiple techniques to offset tension at the midline by exploring options of layered myofascial release have been described. This article reviews the history, technique, advancements, and future of myofascial release in abdominal wall reconstruction leading from the open Rives-Stoppa repair to the robotic-assisted iteration of the transversus abdominis release.

Safety of laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias in liver transplant recipients.

Incisional hernia is a common complication following liver transplantation occurring in 5%-34% of patients. Traditionally, open repair was standard due to fear of abdominal adhesions, postoperative complications and lack of experience with laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) has now become routine in non-transplant patients, with improved postoperative outcomes. In this study, we compared outcomes after laparoscopic and open incisional hernia repair after liver transplantation at a high-volume liver transplant center. We performed a retrospective cohort study including all incisional hernia repairs performed on post-liver transplant patients at a major liver transplant center in Australia from 2010 to 2021. Donor, recipient, intraoperative and postoperative variables were collected from the electronic medical record focusing on laparoscopic and open repairs. Between January 2010 and March 2021, 138 patients underwent incisional hernia repair: 40 laparoscopic (29%) and 98 open (71%). No difference in wound infection (2.5%vs. 7.7%, p=.243); wound dehiscence (.00%vs. 2.3%, p=.332) or hernia recurrence (16.3%vs. 23.0%, p=.352) was seen between treatment groups. For larger incisional hernias (>5cm) we found that a laparoscopic repair reduced length of stay compared to open-repair (3.89vs. 4.57 days, p=.026). Laparoscopic repair of larger incisional hernias reduced postoperative length of hospital stay, whilst potential advantages may include reduced wound complications and hernia recurrence. Importantly, laparoscopic repair did not increase postoperative complication rates and represents a safe technique for repair in this demographic.

Robotic transversus abdominis release: A paradigm shift in complex abdominal wall surgery?

Abdominal wall reconstruction techniques have evolved significantly over the last fifty years and continue to do so at an increasing pace. Beginning with open incisional hernia repair with bilateral rectus myofascial release, multiple techniques to offset tension at the midline by exploring options of layered myofascial release have been described. This article reviews the history, technique, advancements, and future of myofascial release in abdominal wall reconstruction leading from the open Rives-Stoppa repair to the robotic-assisted iteration of the transversus abdominis release.

A 20-Year Analysis of Medicare Reimbursement for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (2000 to 2020).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate monetary trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for 30 abdominal wall reconstruction surgical procedures over a 20-year period (2000 to 2020). The Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was used for each of the 30 included current CPT codes, and reimbursement data were extracted. Monetary data were adjusted for inflation to 2020 U.S. dollars using changes to the United States consumer price index. The R 2 values for the average annual percentage change and the average total percentage change in reimbursement were calculated based on these adjusted trends for all included procedures. After adjusting for inflation, the average reimbursement for all procedures decreased by 17.1% from 2000 to 2020. The greatest mean decrease was observed for CPT code 49568 (the implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for open incisional or ventral hernia repair or mesh for closure of débridement for necrotizing soft-tissue infection, -34.4%). The only procedure with an increased adjusted reimbursement rate throughout the study period was CPT code 20680 (+3.9%). From 2000 to 2020, the adjusted reimbursement rate for all included procedures decreased by an average of 0.85% each year, with an average R 2 value of 0.78, indicating a stable decline throughout the study period. Reimbursement rates are declining when adjusted for inflation. Increased awareness of these trends is helpful to maintain access to optimal abdominal reconstruction care in the United States.

Drain Versus No Drain in Open Mesh Repair for Incisional Hernia, Results of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundOpen mesh repair of incisional hernia is associated with different local complications, particularly bleeding and seroma formation. Traditionally, drains have been placed perioperatively to prevent these complications, despite the lack of scientific evidence or expert consensus. We formulated the hypothesis that the absence of drainage would reduce number of patients presenting collections or complications. The present study aimed to compare postoperative complication rates after open mesh repair for incisional hernia with or without prophylactic wound drainage.MethodsProspective randomized study using standardized surgical technique and drain placement. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of residual fluid collection with ultrasound on postoperative day 30. Other complications, subdivided into medical and surgical, were analyzed as secondary endpoints.ResultsThere were 144 patients randomized (70 with drain, 74 without drain). No difference was identified between both groups for fluid collection at 30 days (60.3% vs. 62%, p = 0.844). However, less surgical complications were identified in the drain group (21.7% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.007), with a lower wound dehiscence rate (1.5% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.041).ConclusionsProphylactic drainage in open incisional hernia repair does not objectively reduce the rate of postoperative fluid collections. Therefore, our results do not support the use of routine drainage in incisional hernia repair.Trial registrationTrial registration on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00478348).

Morphological alterations of the abdominal wall after open incisional hernia repair with endoscopic anterior and open posterior component separation.

Effects of component separation (CS) on abdominal wall morphology have only been investigated in smaller case series or cadavers. This study aimed to compare abdominal wall alterations following endoscopic anterior CS (EACS) or open transverse abdominis release (TAR). Computed tomography scans were evaluated in patients who had undergone open incisional hernia repair with EACS or TAR. Abdominal wall circumference, lateral abdominal wall muscle thickness, and displacement were compared with (1) preoperative images after bilateral CS and (2) the undivided side postoperatively after unilateral CS. In total, 105 patients were included. Fifty-five (52%) and 15 (14%) underwent bilateral and unilateral EACS, respectively. Five (5%) and 14 (13%) underwent bilateral and unilateral TAR, respectively. Sixteen (15%) underwent unilateral EACS and contralateral TAR. The external oblique and transverse abdominis muscles were significantly laterally displaced with a mean of 2.74cm (95% CI 2.29-3.19cm, P < 0.001) and 0.82cm (0.07-1.57cm, P = 0.032) after EACS and TAR, respectively. The combined thickness of the lateral muscles was significantly decreased after EACS (mean decrease 10.5% (5.8-15.6%, P < 0.001)) and insignificantly decreased after TAR (mean decrease 2.6% (-4.8 to 9.5%, P = 0.50)). The abdominal wall circumference was unchanged after bilateral (mean reduction 0.90cm (-0.77 to 2.58cm), P = 0.29) and unilateral CS (mean increase 0.03cm (-1.01 to 1.08cm), P = 0.95). Postoperative changes in the lateral abdominal wall musculature were different following EACS and open TAR. Either technique seems not to compromise the overall integrity of the lateral abdominal wall.

National epidemiologic trends (2008-2018) in the United States for the incidence and expenditures associated with incisional hernia in relation to abdominal surgery.

It is unknown whether the trend of rising incisional hernia (IH) repair (IHR) incidence and costs until 2011 currently persists. We aimed to evaluate how the IHR procedure incidence, cost and patient risk-profile have changed over the last decade relative to all abdominal surgeries (AS). Repeated cross-sectional analysis of 38,512,737 patients undergoing inpatient 4AS including IHR within the 2008-2018 National Inpatient Sample. Yearly incidence (procedures/1,000,000 people [PMP]), hospital costs, surgical and patient characteristics were compared between IHR and AS using generalized linear and multinomial regression. Between 2008-2018, 3.1% of AS were IHR (1,200,568/38,512,737). There was a steeper decrease in the incidence of AS (356.5 PMP/year) compared to IHR procedures (12.0 PMP/year) which resulted in the IHR burden relative to AS (2008-2018: 12,576.3 to 9,113.4 PMP; trend difference P &lt; 0.01). National costs averaged $47.9 and 1.7 billion/year for AS and IHR, respectively. From 2008-2018, procedure costs increased significantly for AS (68.2%) and IHR (74.6%; trends P &lt; 0.01). Open IHR downtrended (42.2%), whereas laparoscopic (511.1%) and robotic (19,301%) uptrended significantly (trends P &lt; 0.01). For both AS and IHR, the proportion of older (65-85y), Black and Hispanic, publicly-insured, and low-income patients, with higher comorbidity burden, undergoing elective procedures at small- and medium-sized hospitals uptrended significantly (all P &lt; 0.01). IH persists as a healthcare burden as demonstrated by the increased proportion of IHR relative to all AS, disproportionate presence of high-risk patients that undergo these procedures, and increased costs. Targeted efforts for IH prevention have the potential of decreasing $17M/year in costs for every 1% reduction.

An island of muscular free flap-laparoscopic repair of recurrent incisional hernias presenting as left flank mass: a case report

Incisional hernias present as ventral hernias but very rarely they may present as a recurrent hernia in the flank. We present the case of a 67-year-old male with past surgical history significant for open repair of recurrent ventral incisional hernia, previous component separation and surgical removal of infected mesh two years back; now presenting with a left lateral flank mass later confirmed as left lateral incisional hernia upon CT scan. The patient was planned for a laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with 20*20 cm Ventralight mesh. At 3 months postoperative follow-up visit the patient was doing well and had returned to normal activity. There was no evidence of any recurrence.

Comparison of outcome between laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and open inguinal hernia repair

Background: Laparoscopic and open surgery techniques have been explored, and each technique has its advantages and pitfalls. Therefore, this study intended to carefully evaluate and compare the outcome of operative duration, post-operative pain, post-operative analgesic requirement, and post-operative complications between laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and open incisional inguinal hernia repair surgery.Methods: In this comparative study, patients were divided into 2 groups, 25 patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, and 25 patients underwent open inguinal hernia repair. Visual analog scale (VAS), post operative analgesic requirement and complications were analyzed between groups.Results: The mean age of open surgery patients was 43.12±12.51, while it was 44.67±18.22 in the laparoscopic group. Forty-five of the cases presented with unilateral hernia, of which 28 showed right laterality and 17 displayed left laterality. In 05 cases, bilateral representation was observed. The average duration of open inguinal hernia repair was 54.23±9.41 minutes, while laparoscopic took 68.94±12.35 minutes, which was statistically significant (p&lt;0.0001). The post-operative pain in VAS just after and post 6, 12 and 24 hours were significantly lower with laparoscopic surgery. Seroma was the most commonly noted post-operative complication, especially in laparoscopic casesy.Conclusions: The study found that the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair technique was statistically superior to the open incision method in reducing post-operative pain and analgesic requirements. However laparoscopic method had a longer surgery duration as compared to the open surgery procedure.

At least ninety days of follow-up are required to adequately detect wound outcomes after open incisional hernia repair.

Incisional hernia repair (IHR) carries a high risk of wound complications. Thirty-day outcomes are frequently used in comparative-effectiveness research, but may miss a substantial number of surgical site occurrences (SSO) including surgical site infection (SSI). The objective of this study was to determine an optimal length of follow-up to detect SSI after IHR. All adult patients undergoing open IHR at a single academic center over a 3year period were reviewed. SSIs, non-infectious SSOs, and wound-related readmissions were recorded up to 180days. The primary outcome was the proportion of SSIs detected at end-points of 30, 60, and 90days of follow-up. Time-to-event analysis was performed for all outcomes at 30, 60, 90, and 180days. Logistic regression was used estimate the relative risk of SSI for relevant risk factors. A total of 234 patients underwent open IHR. Median follow-up time of 102days. Overall incidence of SSI was 15.8% with median time to occurrence of 23days. Incidence of non-infectious SSO was 33.2%, and SSO-related readmission was 12.8%. At 30, 60, and 90days sensitivity was 81.6%, 89.5%, and 92.1 for SSI, and 46.7%, 76.7%, and 83.3% for readmission. In regression analysis, body mass index (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00, 1.15, p = 0.04) anterior component separation (RR 4.21, 95% CI 2.09, 6.34, p = 0.003), and emergency surgery (RR 3.25, 95% CI 1.47, 5.02, p = 0.01), were independently associated with SSI after adjusting for age, sex, contamination class, and procedure duration. A considerable proportion of SSIs occurred beyond 30days, but 90-day follow-up detected 92% of SSIs. Follow-up to 90days captured only 83% of SSO-related readmissions. These results have implications for the design of trials evaluating wound complication after open IHR, as early endpoints may miss clinically relevant outcomesand underestimate the number needed to treat. Where possible, we recommend a minimum follow-up of 90 days to estimate wound complications following open IHR.