Recurrent Abdominal Wall Hernias: Comparative Outcomes of Open and Minimally Invasive Repair

Background/Objectives: Recurrent groin and ventral hernias remain technically challenging, and the optimal operative approach is not uniform. This study compared postoperative outcomes after open and minimally invasive repair and examined recurrent inguinal hernia subgroups.

Methods

This retrospective single-center cohort included 87 adults undergoing elective repair between September 2017 and May 2026; 45 underwent open repair and 42 underwent minimally invasive repair. The primary endpoint was 30-day postoperative morbidity; secondary endpoints were postoperative pain requiring medical evaluation, re-recurrence, and length of hospital stay. Subgroup analyses included 60 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia; within this subgroup, a technique-specific analysis included 48 patients treated with Lichtenstein (n = 24) or TAPP/TEP (n = 24) repair.