Open Retromuscular Sublay Mesh Repair Versus Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh Repair for Ventral Hernias-A Randomized Control Trial

Background: The precise treatment of ventral hernias is still a topic of considerable debate. The aim of this study was to compare the methods of open retromuscular sublay versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair for ventral hernias. Methods: Following approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee, Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, 88 patients were randomly divided into two groups in 1:1 allocation ratio, each compromising 44 patients. Patients characteristics, hernia size and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Mean operative time was significantly (p= <0.001) lower in the SUBLAY group (55.66±8.34 minutes) than in the IPOM group (68.75±10.44 minutes). The post-operative pain(VAS) was significantly (p=0.001) lower amongst patients of the IPOM group (2.36±0.61) as compared to the sublay (4.52±0.66) group. The hospital stay was significantly (p=0.001) lower among patients of the IPOM group (3.61±2.28 days) than the sublay group (6.50±1.68 days). Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair in medium- and large-sized defects is a feasible and safe approach. IPOM compared to SUBLAY significantly reduces postoperative complications and hospital stay.