Abstract
Background: Para-umbilical hernia repair has shown a progressive development. It was initially performed by the open technique. With the introduction of new mesh types, laparoscopic para-umbilical hernia repair is gaining increasing acceptance.
Patients and Methods: The study included 45 patients with para-umbilical hernia with defect size 3cm or less. 15 of these patients were operated upon laparoscopically (group 1) using composite mesh, and the other group (group 2) with open surgery using polypropylene mesh.
Results: Group 1 showed less post-operative complications and short hospital stay in comparison to the open (group 2). It also showed no recurrences in comparison to 6.7% for the group 2 but group 1 is accompanied with long operative time and high cost.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that laparoscopic para-umbilical hernia repair is safe, effective and technically feasible operation with reduced morbidity, earlier recovery and shorter hospital stay and less recurrence rate than the open group.