Minimally Invasive Approaches to Hernia Repair A Multicenter Study of Laparoscopic Techniques in Bangladesh

Background: Hernia repair is a common surgical procedure globally, and minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic surgery are gaining prominence for their reduced recovery time and postoperative complications. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic hernia repair in a multicenter setting across Bangladesh, comparing it with conventional open surgery. Method: A prospective multicenter study was conducted from June 2022 to December 2023 in tertiary-level hospitals in Bangladesh. A total of 224 patients were included, all undergoing laparoscopic or open hernia repair. Variables such as operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay duration, and complication rates were analyzed. Results: Of the 224 patients, 112 underwent laparoscopic hernia repair, while 112 received open surgery. The average operative time for the laparoscopic group was 55 minutes, compared to 70 minutes for the open surgery group. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (3.2 vs. 5.6). The laparoscopic group had a shorter average hospital stay (1.5 days) compared to the open surgery group (3.8 days). Complication rates were lower in the laparoscopic group (8%) versus the open surgery group (15%). Conclusions: Laparoscopic hernia repair proved to be a safer and more effective option in terms of reduced pain, faster recovery, and lower complication rates, making it a viable alternative for hernia repair in Bangladesh.