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

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18 to 90 years
• Patients diagnosed with small or medium-sized umbilical hernia according to the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification
• Patients scheduled for elective umbilical hernia surgery
• Patients who provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Patients younger than 18 years or older than 90 years
• Patients undergoing emergency umbilical hernia surgery
• Patients with bowel obstruction
• Patients with chronic kidney failure
• Patients with a history of previous abdominal surgery involving the stomach, duodenum, small intestine, or colon