Background: Globally, general surgical operations such as hernia repair surgery is performed very frequently. The traditional approach has been open hernioplasty; however, laparoscopic repair and other minimally invasive techniques are taking over because of perceived advantages regarding recovery and postoperative comfort. ‘To compare the long-term outcomes of minimally invasive versus open hernia repair techniques in patients undergoing elective hernia surgery’.

Methods: From February 2019 to January 2020, the Department of Surgery, Civil Hospital in Karachi conducted a prospective observational study. It included 89 adult patients suffering from primary abdominal wall hernias, of which 45 patients underwent minimally invasive repairs and 44 patients underwent open repairs. Relevant demographic information and long-term complications per surgery were tracked. Follow-ups for postoperative complications were done for a period of 12 months. Follow-up outcomes were analyzed statistically to identify trends using appropriate tests, signifying difference at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results: Patients in the minimally invasive group had significantly shorter hospital stays (1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.2 ± 1.2 days, p < 0.001), faster return to work (10.6 ± 3.5 vs. 16.2 ± 4.1 days, p < 0.001), and lower rates of chronic pain (8.9% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.038). Although recurrence rates were lower in the minimally invasive group (4.4% vs. 13.6%), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.140). Patient satisfaction was notably higher among those who underwent minimally invasive repair (88.9% vs. 70.5%, p = 0.037).

Conclusion: Minimally invasive hernia repair is associated with faster recovery, reduced long-term pain, and greater patient satisfaction compared to open techniques, without compromising the recurrence rate. These findings support the broader adoption of minimally invasive approaches where feasible.

Keywords: Hernia repair, minimally invasive surgery, open surgery, chronic pain, recurrence, patient satisfaction, laparoscopic hernioplasty