Patient-reported outcomes after sutured repair of primary ventral hernias with permanent versus slowly absorbable sutures: a nationwide survey- and register-based study.

AIM: To compare patient-reported outcomes and recurrence between permanent and slowly absorbable sutures in sutured repair of small primary ventral hernias.

METHODS

Nationwide Danish survey and registry study of adults undergoing open sutured repair of small (0-2 cm) primary ventral hernias (2014-2024). Patient-reported outcomes from the AFTERHERNIA Project using the Abdominal Hernia-Q (AHQ) were linked to the Danish Ventral Hernia Database and the Danish National Patient Register.

RESULTS

Among 6329 eligible patients, 4933 responded (78%), comprising 4095 permanent and 838 slowly absorbable suture repairs. Mean AHQ physical functioning sum scores were identical (23.3 points). Prevalence of chronic pain (9.3% vs 10.3%), foreign body sensation (20.2% vs 19.7%), and self-reported recurrence (16.3% vs 18.0%) was similar between suture groups.

CONCLUSION

Permanent and slowly absorbable sutures showed similar patient-reported outcomes and prevalence of self-reported recurrence. Slowly absorbable sutures may represent an alternative that avoids permanent foreign material without compromising outcomes.