Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Abdominal binders versus semi-rigid corsets after open ventral hernia repair: early postoperative tolerance and
Kryspin Mitura1,2, Małgorzata Pajer3, Laura Kacprzak4,3
1Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Siedlce, Siedlce, Poland. chirurgia.siedlce@gmail.com.
Background:
The use of abdominal supports after ventral hernia repair remains common practice despite inconsistent evidence and lack of clear recommendations. Concerns persist that more rigid devices may be poorly tolerated in the early postoperative period.
Aim:
To compare early postoperative patient-reported health state, functional outcomes, global preference, and willingness to recommend an elastic abdominal binder and a semi-rigid corset.
Methods:
In this prospective randomized within-subject cross-over study, 23 patients following open sublay repair of large ventral hernias were sequentially fitted with an elastic abdominal binder and a semi-rigid corset on postoperative day 2-3. Each device was worn for approximately three hours during routine postoperative activities. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using VAS and EQ-5D-5 L questionnaires. Global preference and willingness to recommend each device were recorded.
Results:
VAS scores were comparable between devices (p = 0.36), indicating no deterioration in perceived health state with corset use. No EQ-5D-5 L domain was rated worse with the corset. Significant improvements were observed for usual activities and anxiety/depression. A majority of patients preferred the corset (69.6%), and significantly more patients recommended it compared to the binder (95.7% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.039).
Conclusions:
Semi-rigid corsets were not associated with worse early postoperative tolerance and were more frequently preferred and recommended by patients. Early tolerance of semi-rigid supports may influence patient acceptance of postoperative abdominal support strategies, although long-term adherence was not assessed in the present study. These findings challenge the assumption that more rigid supports are poorly tolerated and support considering semi-rigid corsets as a viable option after open ventral hernia repair.
