Laparoscopic and open incisional hernia repair using polypropylene mesh - a comparative single centre study

Repair of incisional hernias continues to be a challenging surgical procedure for general surgeons. Currently open mesh repair and laparoscopic repair are the two main options available for general surgeon for managing this complication. Laparoscopic repair though offers all the advantages of minimal access surgery but is a costly procedure especially due to the use of costly composite mesh. The present study is aimed to compare the open and laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia and at the same time evaluate the safety and feasibility of using comparatively cheaper polypropylene mesh.

Between December 2005 and December 2009 80 patients underwent incisional hernia repair, 40 open repairs and 40 laparoscopic repair. The results of the two procedures were compared with a mean follow up of 26 months for open repair and 28 months for laparoscopic repair.

Obstetrical or gynecological procedure was the most common index surgery leading to incisional hernia and lower midline incision was the most common site of hernia. The mean defect size in open repair group was 55.2 cm(2) and 62.2 cm(2) in laparoscopic repair group. Polypropylene mesh was used in all cases. We had 1(2.5%) major complication of enterotomy and 1(2.5%) conversion in laparoscopic repair group. Postoperative complications were most commonly seen in open repair group 10(25%) and 2(5%) in laparoscopic repair group. Mean hospital stay in open repair group is 4.33 days and 1.53 days in laparoscopic repair group. We had 1(2.5%) recurrence in both groups.

Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia is a much better procedure for curing incisional hernia as compared to open mesh repair and additionally intraperitoneal use of polypropylene mesh was not associated with any significant complication.