A Comparative Study on Outcomes and Quality of Life Changes Following Ventral Transabdominal Preperitoneal (Ventral-TAPP) and Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM)-Plus Repair for Ventral Hernia

Abstract

Background Ventral transabdominal preperitoneal (ventral-TAPP) repair and intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) plus repair are two options among the available techniques of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). We conducted a comparative study to evaluate the clinical and quality of life (QoL)-related outcomes between ventral-TAPP and IPOM-plus repair. It was hypothesized that both procedures offered similar outcomes and QoL. Materials and methods The study included 32 consecutive patients undergoing LVHR, divided equally between ventral-TAPP and IPOM-plus groups. In the ventral-TAPP procedure, a peritoneal flap was created around the defect, followed by defect approximation and polypropylene mesh placement in the pre-peritoneal pocket. For the IPOM-plus procedure, the defect was closed and a composite (dual-side) mesh was placed around the defect. The minimum overlap beyond the original defect margin in both groups was 5 cm. Data regarding pre-operative parameters and postoperative outcomes, including pain and QoL at one week, one month, and three months, were recorded. A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results While the mean duration of surgery was longer, the cost of treatment was lower in group 1 (ventral-TAPP) with a p-value of <0.05 for both parameters. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (ventral-TAPP), while the return to normal activity was similar in both groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) score for overall pain perception and the European registry for abdominal wall hernias (EuraHS; hernia-related QoL) score for ‘Pain at Site’ and ‘Restriction of Activity’ domains were significantly higher in group 2 (IPOM-plus) at one week. Conclusion Although the ventral-TAPP procedure requires more time and expertise to perform, the EuraHS QoL assessment at one week was better in group 1 (ventral-TAPP). Ventral-TAPP group scored better in terms of length of hospital stay and cost-effectiveness as well.