Comparison of quality of life in laparoscopic and open primary ventral hernia repair according to European registry for abdominal wall hernias quality of life score

Abstract

Background Ventral hernia can be defined as noninguinal and nonhiatal hernia in the fascia of the abdominal wall. Laparoscopic repair become a popular method with decreased overall complications nowadays. We aimed to provide an efficient management for ventral hernia through comparison of quality of life (QoL) postlaparoscopic and open techniques according to European registry for abdominal wall hernias quality of life (EuraHS-QOL) score. Patients and methods The data of 54 patients with primary ventral hernia were collected prospectively. Of these patients, 27 underwent open repair, and 27 underwent laparoscopic repair after excluding patients with a complicated and recurrent ventral hernia and incisional hernia. Perioperative QoL was assessed according to the EuraHS score. Results Two groups were designed, each including 27 patients. The most common complication was seroma (25.9%) in open repair, followed by infection (18.5%), while only one case in laparoscopic repair had port site infection; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean operative time in open repair was 51.2±5.1 and 89.7±9.5 in laparoscopic repair; the difference was highly significant (P<0.001). The mean length of stay in the hospital was 23.1±7.3, and it was 19.1±6 in laparoscopic repair; the difference was significant (P<0.05). All cases in open repair had subcutaneous drain; but not in laparoscopic repair; the difference was highly significant (P<0.001). The EuraHS score in all its items was significant in favor of laparoscopic repair. Conclusion Laparoscopic repair was associated with high QoL, less complications, and recovery time as compared with open repair of ventral hernia.