Background: Midline incisional hernia is reported from 0,5 to 11% after abdominal operations. Primary repair without mesh reinforcement is almost abandoned because of high recurrence rates (24 to 46%). Use of prosthetic mesh in incisional hernia repair lowered the recurrence rates under 10%. Recurrence rate alone is not the main quality criterion for incisional hernia repair anymore. Large series and meta-analyses confirmed the value of laparoscopic repair as at least equal if not better compared with open repair. Discomfort, pain, diminished quality of life and body image alteration influences functional well being. No baseline information exists in any of these fields treating pre- or post-operative phases in patients with incisional hernia. Respiratory functions and medico-economic evaluation are other rarely investigated fields that we consider in our trial. The objective of this study is to analyse the functional outcome status of patients after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair compared to open repair.

Methods: A randomized controlled non-blinded clinical trial is designed to compare laparoscopic incisional hernia mesh repair with open repair on post operative pain, health related quality of life outcomes, body image and cosmetic measurements, respiratory functions, recurrence rates, and cost. Volunteers will be recruited in Geneva University Hospital, department of surgery, visceral surgery unit. Eligibility criteria is male patient aged over 18 years, with reducible incisional hernia who are candidates for elective surgery and medically fit for general anesthesia.30 patients will be enrolled for each group. Follow-up will take place at 10th, 30th days as well as 3 12 and 24 post operative months by questionnaires and by clinical exam by independent expert. An overall cost-analysis will be realized. Patient enrollment in the study will start in April 2008 and estimated to end in september 2009.