Comparison of eTEP and IPOM for ventral hernia surgery in the early postoperative period: a retrospective cohort study of a tertiary university centre.

Purpose: The extended totally extraperitoneal technique (eTEP) is a relatively new laparoscopic approach to address ventral hernias. Since this technique is not widely used yet, the literature regarding its efficacy and safety is limited, especially when compared to more established surgical techniques like intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM). This study aimed at contributing to the expanding body of evidence for eTEP, by comparing the early outcomes of eTEP and IPOM surgeries for ventral hernias.

Methods: This monocentric, retrospective cohort study compared patients with ventral hernias that were treated with eTEP or IPOM from 2019 to 2023.

Results: A total of 123 patients were analysed. 92 underwent eTEP and 31 IPOM respectively. Both groups were overall comparable. The IPOM group had a higher proportion of incisional hernias (61,29% vs. 21,74%, p < 0,001). This was taken into account for in a subgroup analysis of only primary hernias. The IPOM group had a significantly longer admission time (eTEP: 3 days, IPOM: 4 days, p < 0,001). The subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant shorter surgery time in IPOM (median of 66,5 min vs. 106,5 min; p = 0,043) and a lower rate of postoperative complications in eTEP (eTEP: 4,17%, IPOM: 25%. p = 0,009). The eTEP group reported lower postoperative pain, yet without statistical significance.

Conclusion: eTEP for ventral hernia repair appears to be non-inferior to IPOM. Compared to IPOM it leads to shorter postoperative hospital stay and a potentially lower complication rate, despite a longer operation time.