Comparison of Laparoscopic versus Open Approach for Repair of Lumbar Hernia: A Case Series Analysis at AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Introduction: Lumbar hernia repair is a rare and challenging surgical procedure. Both laparoscopic and open techniques are employed, but a comparison of outcomes in terms of recurrence, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and wound infection rates is necessary to determine the optimal surgical approach. Objective: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open lumbar hernia repairs performed at AIIMS Bhubaneswar from January 2019 to December 2023. Patients and Methods: A case series analysis was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Patients who underwent lumbar hernia repair between January 2019 and December 2023 were included. They were divided into two groups: laparoscopic hernia repair (LSx, n = 12) and open hernia repair (OSx, n = 17). The primary outcome was hernia recurrence at 1 year postrepair. Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain, length of hospital stay and wound infection rates. Results: Laparoscopic repair was associated with shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain (lower VAS scores) and quicker return to normal activities compared to open repair. Hernia recurrence rates at 1 year were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic lumbar hernia repair offers several advantages over open repair, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. However, recurrence rates were similar, suggesting the choice of technique should be based on patient-specific factors and surgeon expertise.