Incisional hernia is a frequent long-term complication after liver transplantation (LT) that may cause pain, functional impairment, cosmetic concerns, and anxiety. Although surgical outcomes after incisional hernia repair have been reported in LT recipients, patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) remain poorly documented. This study primarily evaluated long-term PROMs after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) in LT recipients.

This single-center retrospective pilot study included all consecutive LT recipients who underwent LIHR between January 2020 and December 2025. Long-term PROMs were assessed using standardized telephone interviews based on a previously validated questionnaire and included overall satisfaction, abdominal wall discomfort, pain, pruritus, and paresthesia.

Twenty-four LT recipients underwent LIHR. PROMs were available in 16 patients (66.7%) at a median follow-up of 21 months. Overall satisfaction was high (18.6 ± 1.6/20), with 94% of patients satisfied or very satisfied with the surgical outcome. Ten patients (62.5%) reported no residual abdominal wall discomfort. Mean discomfort and pain scores were low (1.7 ± 1.1 and 1.3 ± 0.7 on a six-point Likert scale, respectively). Overall 90-day morbidity was 12.5%, with no major complications or readmissions. Hernia recurrence occurred in three patients (12.5%). Thirteen patients (54.2%) were discharged within 24 hours, without lower long-term satisfaction or worse patient-reported outcomes.

In this pilot study, LT recipients undergoing LIHR reported high long-term patient satisfaction and limited residual abdominal wall symptoms. These findings highlight the relevance of incorporating the patient perspective alongside conventional surgical outcomes when evaluating long-term outcomes after LT.