Laparoscopic incisional and ventral herniorrhaphy in 100 patients

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic incisional and ventral herniorrhaphy, a procedure first described 7 years ago, continues to gain acceptance. A series of abou t 100 patients who underwent the operation is described. Follow-up in this series was longer (mean 51 months) than that in previously reported series. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of operative and follow-up re cords of a series of patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic incisional or ventral herniorrhaphy between 1992 and 1997. RESULTS: Laparoscopic repair was completed in 96 of 100 patients. The compl ication rate was 14%, with seromas accounting for half of the postoperative problems. Mean hospital stay was 1 day. The late recurrence rate was 9%, w ith 4 of the 9 recurrences developing >2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic incisional and ventral herniorrhaphy is safe and effective. Most patients require hospitalization for less than or equal to 24 hours. Use of an adequately sized prosthesis secured with more than one method is essential. Patients should be observed greater than or equal to3 years. Am J Surg. 2000; 180:193-197. (C) 2000 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.