ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the post-operative complications between sublay and onlay mesh repair in incisional hernia.

Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Department of Surgery, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from May 2019 to November 2019. Total 250 patients with incisional hernias for more than 3 months, having age 20-40 years either male or female were selected.  Then selected patients were placed randomly into two groups i.e. Group A (Sublay group) & Group B (Onlay group), by using lottery method. Patients were called for follow up 15^th day for post-operative complications in term of wound infection and seroma formation.

Results: The mean age of patients in group A was 34.73 ± 4.32 years and in group B was 34.51 ± 4.67 years. Out of these 250 patients, 161 (64.40%) were female and 89 (35.60%) were males with female to male ratio of 1.8:1. Wound infection was seen in 07 (5.60%) patients in group A (Sublay technique) and 17 (13.60%) patients in group B (Onlay technique) with p-value of 0.033. Seroma formation was seen in 09 (7.20%) patients in group A (Sublay technique) and 26 (20.80%) patients in group B (Onlay technique) with p-value of 0.002.

Conclusion: This study concluded that rate of wound infection and seroma formation is less after sublay mesh repair for incisional hernia as compared to onlay repair.