Quality of life following laparoscopic vs. open ventral hernia repair: A prospective comparative cohort study.

Introduction: Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on assessing the functional outcomes of hernia repair, particularly focusing on the quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to assess and compare the QOL amongst Nepalese patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) and open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) during the initial 3 months following surgery.

Patients and methods: This was a hospital-based prospective study where 70 patients were divided into two groups: 35 underwent LVHR and 35 underwent OVHR. QOL was assessed using the Carolina's Comfort Scale at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months following surgery, which evaluated post-operative pain, sensation of mesh and limitations in the movement across eight positions.

Results: The study groups had comparable demographics, comorbidities and disease characteristics. Patients undergoing LVHR experienced significantly longer mean operative times. Wound infection and the use of drains were notably higher in OVHR. Mesh sensation was not significantly different between the two groups during the follow-up. Post-operative pain was more in OVHR compared to LVHR during bending over and exercising positions, at 2 weeks and a month post-surgery. Movement limitation was more in the OVHR group, especially during bending over positions, compared to the LVHR group.

Conclusion: This study highlights the laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias as an effective alternative to open techniques, reducing early post-operative pain.