To analyze the distribution of open and laparoscopic repair techniques for adult umbilical hernias and explored the factors influencing the choice of surgical approach.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of adult umbilical hernia patients admitted to the Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from March 1, 2008, to June 30, 2022. The distribution of open and laparoscopic repair techniques was investigated. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the choice of surgical approach, and the independent factors were further explored using a multivariable Logistic regression model.

A total of 1199 umbilical hernia patients were included in this study, including 472 males (39.4%) and 727 females (60.6%), with a mean age of (57.3±17.3) years. The results of univariate analysis showed that age, occupation, hospitalization frequency, admission route, pulmonary disease, heart disease, ascites, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, diagnosis type, anesthesia method, and concomitant other hernia surgeries had statistically significant differences in the choice of surgical approach (open or laparoscopic) (P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of ascites (OR=0.019, 95% CI: 0.006-0.067, P<0.001), anemia (OR=0.337, 95% CI: 0.180-0.632, P=0.001), intestinal obstruction (OR=0.218, 95% CI: 0.103-0.462, P<0.001), or incarceration (OR=0.190, 95% CI: 0.081-0.445, P<0.001) were independent factors influencing the choice of laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair.

Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred choice for most adult umbilical hernia repairs. However, for special cases with concurrent ascites, anemia, intestinal obstruction, or incarceration, open surgery may be a more suitable option. The choice of surgical approach should be based on the specific circumstances of the patient.