Hernia Belt in Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

The Effect of Hernia Belt on Postoperative Complications and Quality of Life for Patients Who Underwent Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair:a Randomized Clinical Trial

In this study, the investigators aimed to investigate the effect of hernia belt on postoperative complications and quality of life for patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Outcomes include hernia recurrence (patient-reported and clinical exam), postoperative complications within 3 months (seroma and hematoma development, wound infection, abdominal bloating and foreign body sensation), pain (visual analog scale,VAS), health-related quality of life (36-item short-form health survey, SF-36). Follow up by physical examination, ultrasonography and telephone.

Some scholars believe that the use of hernia belts to compress the inguinal region reduces postoperative complications. According to the International Guidelines for the Management of Inguinal Hernia in Adults (2018) interpretation, the incidence of seroma after inguinal hernia repair ranges from 0.5% to 2.2%. However,there is no consensus among different research organizations and clinical staff on the use of hernia belts after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. In this study, the investigators aimed to investigate the effect of hernia belt on postoperative complications and quality of life for patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Outcomes include hernia recurrence (patient-reported and clinical exam), postoperative complications within 3 months (seroma and hematoma development, wound infection, abdominal bloating and foreign body sensation), pain (visual analog scale,VAS), health-related quality of life (36-item short-form health survey, SF-36). Follow up by physical examination, ultrasonography and telephone.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years or order.
2. Primary unilateral oblique inguinal hernia, direct hernia, femoral hernia.
3. Qualified for laparoscopic Transabdominal preperitoneal approach(TAPP) or Totally extraperitoneal(TEP).
4. Eligible to tolerate general anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Incarcerated hernia, recurrent hernia and other types of hernia.
2. Patients presenting for obvious contraindications to surgery.
3. Need for an open inguinal hernia repair.
4. Difficult to follow-up or communication.
5. Patients who are unable to give informed consent.