CT findings after laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia

OBJECTIVE. We describe CT findings after laparoscopic repair of ventral her nia with emphasis on formation of postoperative fluid collections that can mimic recurrent bowel herniation or infected postoperative fluid collection s. CONCLUSION. The porous property of the mesh used in laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia allows reaccumulation of fluid in the existing hernia sac or spaces in the subcutaneous tissues that can be created by laparoscopic man ipulation. These fluid collections should be expected and are differentiate d from infected fluid collections or hernia recurrence by clinical presenta tion, laboratory data, and lack of ancillary features associated with true hernia such as presence of hernia sac, herniated mesentery, or bowel obstru ction.