Beldi, GuidoGuidoBeldi0000-0002-9914-3807Ipaktchi, RaminRaminIpaktchiWagner, MarkusMarkusWagnerGloor, BeatBeatGloorCandinas, DanielDanielCandinas2024-10-132024-10-132006https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/94203BACKGROUND: Ventral hernia repair is increasingly performed by laparoscopic means since the introduction of dual-layer meshes. This study aimed to compare the early complications and cost effectiveness of open hernia repair with those associated with laparoscopic repair. METHODS: Open ventral hernia repair was performed for 92 consecutive patients using a Vypro mesh, followed by laparoscopic repair for 49 consecutive patients using a Parietene composite mesh. RESULTS: The rate of surgical-site infections was significantly higher with open ventral hernia repair (13 vs 1; p = 0.03). The median length of hospital stay was significantly shorter with laparoscopic surgery (7 vs 6 days; p = 0.02). For laparoscopic repair, the direct operative costs were higher (2,314 vs 2,853 euros; p = 0.03), and the overall hospital costs were lower (9,787 vs 7,654 euros; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair leads to fewer surgical-site infections and a shorter hospital stay than open repair. Despite increased operative costs, overall hospital costs are lowered by laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.enarticle10.7892/boris.204731633353800023448540001410.1007/s00464-005-0442-9