Comparison of Suture Repair and Mesh Repair in Repair of Small Umbilical Hernias: Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: The necessity of using mesh to repair small-diameter umbilical hernias is still controversial in clinical practice. In our study, mesh and suture repair techniques, which are frequently used in the repair, of umbilical hernias with a diameter of ≤3 cm; it was aimed to compare in terms of recurrence, postoperative pain, and patient satisfaction. Methods: Records of umbilical hernias with a diameter of ≤3 cm, which were operated in our center for over 3 years, were evaluated retrospectively. Two hundred-eighteen patients were included in the study; the mesh repair and suture repair groups were separated. The development of relapse, pain at rest and with physical activity, and satisfaction with the treatment were evaluated. Results: Among the mesh repair and suture repair groups: There was no significant difference in terms of recurrence (p=0.662). In the mesh repair group, pain at rest (p=0.002) and pain with physical activity (p=0.003) were significantly higher, but these results did not result in a significant difference in patient satisfaction (p=0.928). Conclusion: Suture repair can be safely preferred in the repair of small-diameter umbilical hernias (≤3 cm diameter), because it causes less postoperative pain, and there is a difference compared to mesh repair in terms of recurrence and patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• umbilical hernia
• surgical mesh
• sutured repair
• pain
• recurrence