Comparison between the short-term results of onlay and sublay mesh placement in the management of uncomplicated para-umbilical hernia: a prospective randomized study

The aim of this study was to compare between the short-term results of onlay and sublay mesh placement in the prosthetic repair of uncomplicated para-umbilical hernia (PUH).

Eighty patients with a defect size ranging from 4 to 10 cm were prospectively randomized to either the onlay group (40 patients) or the sublay group (40 patients). The operative time, postoperative complications and short-term recurrence were reported.

There were no statistically significant differences between both study groups as regards the patients’ demographics, associated co-morbidities and mean defect size. The median operative time was significantly shorter in the onlay group compared to that in the sublay group (52 vs 91 min respectively, p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in the daily median pain score throughout the first postoperative week. The time required to remove the suction drain was significantly shorter in the sublay group compared to that in the onlay group (3 vs 7 days respectively, p < 0.001).Complications were encountered in 4 patients (10 %) in the onlay group compared to 3 patients (7.5 %) in the sublay group (p = 1.000). Superficial wound infection was encountered in 1 patient (2.5 %) in the sublay group, Seroma was encountered in 2 patients (5 %) in the onlay group, Deep vein thrombosis was encountered in 1 patient (2.5 %) in the onlay group, Chest infection was encountered in 2 patients (5 %) in the sublay group compared to 1 patient (2.5 %) in the onlay group. Throughout the 22 months median follow-up duration (range 6–42 months), 2 recurrences (5 %) were encountered in either study group.

Both techniques are safe, efficient and are associated with comparable complication and recurrence rates.