Multicenter analysis of laparoscopic versus open umbilical hernia repair with mesh: outcomes and quality of life (QoL)

Introduction Umbilical hernia repair (UHR) is a common operation with varying surgical approaches. Laparoscopic (LUHR) and open (OUHR) operations are routinely performed, but their impact on quality of life (QoL) is not well described. Our aim was to evaluate perioperative outcomes and QoL of LUHR versus OUHR. Methods The prospectively collected International Hernia Mesh Registry was queried for patients undergoing UHR with mesh placement. QoL was measured using the Carolinas Comfort Scale preoperatively and 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Propensity match was performed controlling for hernia defect size (HDS), recurrent hernias, and BMI. Results 585 patients underwent 178 (30.4%) LUHR and 407 (69.6%) OUHR. LUHR patients had higher BMI, larger HDS, and more recurrent hernias ( p < 0.05). Rates of other comorbidities were similar ( p > 0.05). Tacks were used more frequently in LUHR (91.6% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001), and suture was used more often in OUHR (97.1% vs 47.8%, p < 0.001). Postoperative outcomes were similar ( p > 0.05) except LUHR had higher rates of seroma (13.9% vs 4.3%, p < 0.001). Overall recurrence rates trended to favor OUHR, but not significantly (4.7% vs 8.4%, p = 0.07). The propensity match yielded 138 matched pairs. LUHR had more seromas and OUHR had higher infection rates ( p < 0.05). Hernia recurrence was higher following LUHR (9.4% vs 2.9%, p = 0.02). QoL data were available for an average of 457 patients at each time period. QoL was superior in the OUHR group for pain and overall QoL at each time point and activity limitations at 6 and 12 months ( p < 0.05). When examining patients who were asymptomatic preoperatively, OUHR had improved one-month overall QoL, but both groups had over 90% of patients report being asymptomatic postoperatively. Conclusions OUHR is associated with higher rates of surgical site infections, but significantly lower rates of seroma formation and hernia recurrence compared to LUHR, while having superior QoL in both short- and long-term follow-up. Asymptomatic patients tend to have excellent QoL outcomes.