Outcomes of laparoscopic small ventral hernia repair using barbed suture in young females; A prospective study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using barbed sutures in females.

Method: The prospective study was conducted at Civil Hospital Karachi from April 1 to November 30, 2024, and comprised females aged 18-45 years with primary ventral hernia defects of <2cm. The participants underwent laparoscopic repair with barbed sutures. Data was collected during four follow-up visits over one year. Key outcomes assessed were hospital stay duration, hernia recurrence, postoperative pain, and time to return to normal activities. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.

Results: Of the 61 women with mean age 32±7 years, 49(80.3%) were discharged within 24 hours, while 9(14.75%) required 48 hours and 3(4.9%) required 72 hours. Most participants 57(93.4%) returned to work within one week. A low recurrence rate 1(1.75%) was observed during the follow-up. No major complications were reported.

Conclusion: Barbed sutures was found to be an effective and safe alternative for repairing small ventral hernia defects in young females.

Key Words: Barbed suture, Ventral hernia, Recurrence, Minimal invasive surgery, Chronic pain.