Comparison of Onlay Mesh Repair and Sublay Mesh Repair in Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Overview

Umbilical hernia is a common condition that is frequently treated with surgical mesh repair to reduce recurrence rates. Among the commonly used techniques, onlay mesh repair and sublay mesh repair are widely performed; however, there is ongoing debate regarding their comparative effectiveness and safety. The aim of this study is to compare onlay mesh repair and sublay mesh repair in patients undergoing elective umbilical hernia surgery, with respect to postoperative complications, recurrence rates, operative outcomes, and length of hospital stay. By evaluating clinical outcomes associated with each technique, this study seeks to contribute evidence to guide the selection of the most appropriate surgical approach for umbilical hernia repair.

Umbilical hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed general surgical procedures. The use of prosthetic mesh has been shown to significantly reduce recurrence rates compared with primary suture repair. Among mesh-based techniques, onlay and sublay mesh repairs are frequently utilized, each with distinct technical characteristics and potential advantages and disadvantages. In onlay mesh repair, the mesh is placed over the anterior fascia following primary fascial closure, whereas in sublay mesh repair, the mesh is positioned in the retromuscular or preperitoneal plane. While sublay mesh repair is often considered to provide better mesh integration and lower recurrence rates, it may be associated with longer operative times and increased technical complexity. Conversely, onlay mesh repair is technically simpler but has been associated with higher rates of wound-related complications in some studies. The optimal technique for umbilical hernia repair remains a subject of ongoing investigation. This study is designed as a comparative clinical analysis of patients undergoing elective umbilical hernia surgery using either onlay mesh repair or sublay mesh repair. Adult patients who meet the eligibility criteria will be included. Demographic characteristics, hernia features, operative details, and perioperative outcomes will be recorded. Primary outcome measures will include postoperative complication rates and hernia recurrence. Secondary outcome measures will include operative time, length of hospital stay, and early postoperative morbidity. Patients will be followed postoperatively according to standard clinical practice to assess surgical outcomes. The results of this study are expected to provide comparative data on the safety and effectiveness of onlay and sublay mesh repair techniques in umbilical hernia surgery and to support evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice.