Quality of Life, Postoperative Complications and Hernia Recurrence Rate Following Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Rectus Aponeuroplasty (Lira) Technique for Primary and Incisional Hernia Repair

Background Primary and incisional ventral hernias (PVH and IVH) are a common pathology which substantially impact patient’s quality of life (QoL). To date, no studies have been published on the impact of the laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty technique (LIRA) on the QoL of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL), early postoperative complications and hernia recurrence rate following LIRA for PVH and IVH repair at the six month follow up. Method A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing LIRA from August 2022 to May 2023. Data retrieved included demographics, clinical and operative variables. Computed tomography scan was performed before and six months after surgery. QoL was assessed using the EuraHS-QoL scale prior to-and following LIRA. Results 17 patients met the inclusion criteria. PVH was the most common pathology (70.6%). The median follow-up time was 6 months. There were not hernia recurrence. Pre-operative and post-operative EURAHS-QoL questionnaire scores were available for 100% of patients enrolled in this study and showed significant improvement in pain (11.6 vs. 1.41, p <0.001), restrictions (median of 13.1 vs. 1.35, p = 0.001), cosmetic appearance (10.8 vs. 2.82, p = 0.001) with a Total Score (35.4 vs. 5.59, p <0.001). Conclusion Abdominal wall repair using the LIRA approach improves subjective QoL variables with and acceptable post-operative complications and without hernia recurrence in a short-term follow-up. So far, this is the first published study where QoL is evaluated in patients undergoing LIRA.