Evaluating patient outcomes and quality of life following laparoscopic extended totally extraperitoneal repair for ventral hernia: A prospective study

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Various laparoscopic techniques have been developed for the repair of ventral and incisional hernias. There is a never-ending debate regarding the best procedure for hernia repair. Moreover, very few studies have studied the Quality of Life (QOL) in these patients. This study is aimed at analyzing the various perioperative outcomes following the laparoscopic extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach for ventral hernias and QOL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at a tertiary care hospital in India. The study analyzed patient demographics, hernia characteristics, perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and QOL measured by the Carolinas Comfort Scale. RESULTS: The study enrolled 34 patients and analyzed hernia characteristics and perioperative outcomes. QOL scores, measured by the Carolinas Comfort Scale, were assessed at 1-month and 6-month intervals post-surgery. At 1 month, scores for mesh sensation, pain, movement limitation, and the total score were 8.85, 4.26, 0.06, and 13.18, respectively. At 6 months, these scores improved significantly to 0.76, 0.18, 0, and 0.94. CONCLUSION: eTEP is associated with less postoperative pain, short hospitalization periods, and low recurrence rates. Furthermore, it offers cost-effectiveness by employing a standard prolene mesh without requiring fixation. eTEP improves the QOL in patients undergoing repair for ventral hernias.