Comparison of laparoscopic and open repair of incisional and primary ventral hernia: results of a prospective randomized study

Background Incisional hernia is an important complication of abdominal surgery. Its repair has progressed from a primary suture repair to various mesh repairs and laparoscopic repair. Laparoscopic mesh repair is a promising alternative, and in the absence of consensus, needs prospective randomized controlled trials. Methods Between April 2003 and April 2005, 66 patients with incisional, primary ventral and recurrent hernias were randomized to receive either open retrorectus mesh repair or laparoscopic mesh repair. These patients were followed up at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals thereafter for a mean of 12.17 months (open repair group) and 13.73 months (laparoscopic repair group). Results Lower abdominal hernias after gynecologic operations constituted the majority of the hernias (∼50%) in both groups. There was no significant injury to viscera or vessel in either group and no conversions. The defect size was 42.12 cm² in the open (group 1) and 65.66 cm² in the laparoscopic group (group 2), and the prosthesis sizes were, respectively, 152.67 cm² and 203.83 cm². The hospital stay was 3.43 days in open group and 1.47 days in laparoscopic group (p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in the pain scores between the two groups. More wound-related infectious complications occurred in the open group (33%) than in the laparoscopic group (6%) (p = 0.013). There was one recurrence in the open repair group (3%) and two recurrences in laparoscopic group (6%) (p = 0.55). Conclusions Laparoscopic repair of incisional and ventral hernias is superior to open mesh repair in terms of significantly less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, and excellent cosmetic outcome.     

A prospective study comparing the complication rates between laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repairs

Background: Although ventral hernia repair is increasingly performed laparoscopically, complication rates with this procedure are not well characterized. For this reason, we performed a prospective study comparing early outcomes after laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repairs. Methods: We identified all the patients undergoing ventral (including incisional) hernia repair at a single tertiary care center between September 1, 1999 and July 1, 2001 (overall n = 257). To increase the homogeneity of the sample, we excluded umbilical hernia repairs, parastomal hernia repairs, nonelective procedures, procedures not involving mesh, and repairs performed concurrently with another surgical procedure. Postoperative complications (in-hospital or within 30-days) were assessed prospectively according to standardized definitions by trained nurse clinicians. Results: Of the 136 ventral hernia repairs that met the study criteria, 65 (48%) were laparoscopic repairs (including 3 conversions to open surgery) and 71 (52%) were open repairs. The patients in the laparoscopic group were more likely to have undergone a prior (failed) ventral hernia repair (40% vs 27%; p = 0.14), but other patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. Overall, fewer complications were experienced by patients undergoing laparoscopic repair (8% vs 21%; p = 0.03). The higher complication rate in the open ventral hernia repair group came from wound infections (8%) and postoperative ileus (4%), neither of which was observed in the patients who underwent laparoscopic repair. The laparoscopic group had longer operating room times (2.2 vs 1.7 h; p = 0.001), and there was a nonsignificant trend toward shorter hospital stays with laparoscopic repair (1.1 vs 1.5 days; p = 0.10). Conclusions: The patients undergoing laparoscopic repair had fewer postoperative complications than those receiving open repair. Wound infections and postoperative ileus accounted for the higher complication rates in the open ventral hernia repair group. Otherwise, these groups were very similar. Long-term studies assessing hernia recurrence rates will be required to help determine the optimal approach to ventral hernia repair. Drs. Birkmeyer and Finlayson were supported by Career Development Awards from the VA Health Services Research and Development program. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.     

Laparoscopic ePTFE mesh repair of incisional and ventral hernias

Incisional hernia is a relatively frequent complication of abdominal surgery. The use of mesh to repair incisional and ventral hernias results in lower recurrence rates compared with primary suture techniques. The laparoscopic approach may be associated with lower postoperative morbidity compared with open procedures. Long-term recurrence rates after laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernias are not well defined. A prospective study of the initial experience of a standardized technique of laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair carried out in a tertiary referral hospital was undertaken between January 2003 and February 2007. Laparoscopic hernia repair was attempted in 71 patients and was successful in 68 (conversion rate 4%). The mean age of the patients identified was 63.1 years (39 men and 31 women). Multiple hernial defects were identified in 38 patients (56%), and the mean overall size of the fascial defects was 166 cm(2). The mean mesh size used was 403 cm(2). The mean operative time was 121 minutes. There were six (9%) major complications in this series, but there were no deaths. Hernia recurrence was noted in four patients (6%) at a mean follow up of 20 months. Our preliminary experience indicates that laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair is technically feasible and has acceptable postoperative morbidity and low early recurrence rates.     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with the Goretex Dualmesh: long-term results and review of the literature

Since 1993 laparoscopy has become a popular technique of repair of ventral hernias. The authors review the long-term results of a systematic laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias and discuss the current problems compared to open repair. Between 1997 and 2003, 146 patients had a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using an intraperitoneal Goretex Dualmesh with a 3–5-cm mesh overlap secured with a combination of nonabsorbable sutures and staples. A total of 155 attempts of laparoscopic repair was performed with four conversions. The 151 laparoscopic operations were completed in 105.8 min with a mesh implant being of 341 cm². There were two postoperative deaths and two patients had to be reoperated on. Mesh infection was diagnosed in two cases. Mean length of stay was 4.9 days. During a follow- up of 26.6 months eight patients (5.8%) developed a recurrence. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is a reproducible technique. Most of the comparative studies have shown an overall lower rate of complications after laparoscopic repair compared to open but with a 2–4% risk of bowel injury. The two other benefits of the laparoscopy are reduced postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay. The recurrence rate is usually between 2 and 7% but no difference has been found compared to open repair. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using the Goretex Dualmesh is a reliable operation with a low rate of conversion to open. Despite the risk of serious bowel injury, laparoscopy achieves as good results as the mesh open repair on the long term with the benefit of a decreased complication rate and a shorter hospital stay.     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Introduction: Effective surgical therapy for ventral and incisional hernias is problematic. Recurrence rates following primary repair range as high as 25–49%, and breakdown following conventional treatment of recurrent hernias can exceed 50%. As an alternative, laparoscopic techniques offer the potential benefits of decreased pain and a shorter hospital stay. This study evaluates the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for ventral herniorrhaphy. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for 100 consecutive patients with ventral hernias who underwent laparoscopic repair at our institutions between November 1995 and May 1998. All patients who presented during this period and were candidates for a mesh hernia repair were treated via an endoscopic approach. Results: One hundred patients underwent a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. There were 48 men and 52 women. The patients were typically obese, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31 kg/m². Each had undergone an average of 2.5 (range; 0–8) previous laparotomies. Forty-nine repairs were performed for recurrent hernias. An average of two patients (range; 1–7) had previously failed open herniorhaphies; in 20 cases, intraabdominal polypropylene mesh was present. There were no conversions to open operation. The mean size of the defects was large at 87 cm² (range; 1–480). In all cases, the mesh (average, 287 cm²) was secured with transabdominal sutures and metal tacks or staples. Operative time and estimated blood loss averaged 88 min (range; 18–270) and 30 cc (range; 10–150). Length of stay averaged 1.6 days (range; 0–4). There were 12 minor and (two) major complications: cellulitis of the trocar site (two), seroma lasting >4 weeks (three), postoperative ileus (two), suture site pain > 2 weeks (two), urinary retention (one), respiratory distress (one), serosal bowel injury (one), and skin breakdown (one) and bowel injury (one). Both of the latter complications required mesh removal. With an average follow-up of 22.5 months (range; 7–37), there have been (three) recurrences. Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach to the repair of both primary and recurrent ventral henias offers a low conversion rate, a short hospital stay, and few complications. At 23 months of follow-up, the recurrence rate has been 3%. Laparoscopic repair should be considered a viable option for any ventral hernia. Received: 11 February 1999/Accepted: 15 March 2000/Online publication: 28 April 2000     

Is laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh a reasonable alternative to conventional repair?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic mesh repair has been advocated as treatment of choice for ventral hernias. The term "ventral hernia" refers to a variety of abdominal wall defects and laparoscopic papers have not reported defect specific analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine any advantages to laparoscopic mesh repair of umbilical hernias. METHODS: A retrospective review (January 1998 to April 2001) was made of patients undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Patients were categorized into three groups: laparoscopic repair with mesh, open repair with mesh, and open repair without mesh. Comparative analysis was performed. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixteen umbilical hernia repairs were performed in 112 patients: 30 laparoscopic mesh repairs, 20 open mesh repairs, and 66 open nonmesh repairs. The laparoscopic technique was used for larger defects and took more time with a trend toward fewer postoperative complications and recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh presents a reasonable alternative to conventional methods of repair.     

Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia repairs: 5 year recurrence rates

Background  Current studies with 2-3 year follow-up favor laparoscopic ventral hernia repair due to lower recurrence rates, fewer wound infections, and shorter hospital stays. There is scant data in the literature for this group of patients regarding longer follow-up. This study compares the actual 5 year recurrence rates of laparoscopic versus open techniques and determines factors that may affect recurrence. Methods  A retrospective analysis of ventral hernia repairs at a tertiary center between January 1996 and December 2001 was performed. In this era, the method of repair often depended on which surgeon evaluated the patient. All patients were followed for a minimum of 5 years (median 7.5 years). Demographic and clinical parameters were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analyses and the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Results  Of 331 patients, 119 underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LAP), 106 open hernia repair with mesh (O-M), 86 open suture repair (O-S), and 20 laparoscopic converted to open (LCO). Statistical analyses showed equal parameters among groups except defect sizes (mean ± standard error on the mean [SEM]): LAP (9.8 ± 1.2 cm), O-M (11.2 ± 3.3 cm), LCO (16.6 ± 5.4 cm) versus O-S (4.6 ± 1.6 cm) (p < 0.02). Actual recurrence rates at 1 and 5 years were LAP (15% and 29%), O-M (11% and 28%), O-S (10% and 19%), and LCO (35% and 60%). Multivariate analysis identified larger defects to have higher recurrence rates, particularly in the O-S group (p < 0.02). With the exception of the LCO group, surgical technique did not predict recurrence, nor did body mass index, diabetes, smoking, or use of tacks versus sutures. Conclusion  This is the first study to compare 5 year actual recurrence rates between laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repairs. Contrary to prior reports, our longer-term data indicates similar recurrence rates, except for higher rates in the laparoscopic converted to open group. Due to the continued recurrences over the period studied, longer-term follow-up is necessary to appreciate the true rate of hernia recurrence.     

Laparoscopic repair of ventral incisional hernia

Background : Laparoscopic repair of ventral incisional hernias was first reported in 1993. Since then, there have been sporadic case reports and small series published about this procedure, but it has not been widely adopted. Newer types of composite prosthetic mesh may reduce the potential problem of bowel adhesion. Methods : Thirty cases of laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repairs (carried out by two surgeons or their senior registrars) have been retrospectively reviewed and reported in this article. The data were obtained from patient records and subsequent phone surveys. Results : Thirty patients between 29 and 82 years (mean: 58 years) underwent this procedure. There were 14 men and 16 women. The average weight of the patients was 81 kg. The hernias were up to 6 or 7 cm in diameter. Mesh was used in 28 cases (polypropylene in 25 cases, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in two cases and composite mesh in one case). Most meshes were laid intraperitoneally and fixed into position with laparoscopic spiral tacks. Twenty‐nine cases were completed laparoscopically. One operation (3.3%) was converted to an open procedure because of severe bowel adherence to the hernia sac. The mean operating time was 52 min for laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repairs only. All but two patients tolerated an oral diet within 24 h. The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 0 to 11 days, with 17 patients (57%) staying overnight and eight patients (27%) staying another day. Over 80% of the patients returned to house duties within a week. There was no mortality, and minor complications occurred in four patients (14%). One patient had a small bowel obstruction treated successfully by repeat laparoscopy with division of fibrinous adhesions to polypropylene mesh on day four. Follow up ranged from 1 to 69 months (mean: 12 months). One patient did not attend follow‐up appointments. There were three cases of hernia recurrence (10%). Conclusion : The results suggest that laparoscopic repair of ventral incisional hernias is a safe, effective and technically feasible operation for small‐ to medium‐sized hernias allowing shorter hospital stay, early recovery and resumption of normal activities. However, recurrence rates are comparable to open mesh hernioplasty especially for larger hernias.     

Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair: An 11-year experience

Incisional hernias develop in 2%–20% of laparotomy incisions, necessitating approximately 90,000 ventral hernia repairs per year. Although a common general surgical problem, a "best" method for repair has yet to be identified, as evidenced by documented recurrence rates of 25%–52% with primary open repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic ventral and incisional herniorrhaphy. From February 1991 through November 2002, a total of 384 patients were treated by laparoscopic technique for primary and recurrent umbilical hernias, ventral incisional hernias, and spigelian hernias. The technique was essentially the same for each procedure and involved lysis of adhesions, reduction of hernia contents, closure of the defect, and 3–5 cm circumferential mesh coverage of all hernias. Of the 384 patients in our study group, there were 212 females and 172 males with a mean age of 58.3 years (range 27–100 years). Ninety-six percent of the hernia repairs were completed laparoscopically. Mean operating time was 68 min (range 14–405 min), and estimated average blood loss was 25 mL (range 10–200 mL). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.9 days and ranged from same-day discharge to 36 days. The overall postoperative complication rate was 10.1%. There have been 11 recurrences (2.9%) during a mean follow-up time of 47.1 months (range 1–141 months). Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair, based on the Rives-Stoppa technique, is a safe, feasible, and effective alternative to open techniques. More long-term follow-up is still required to further evaluate the true effectiveness of this operation.     

Day surgery for laparoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernias

Laparoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernias is still a controversial and nongeneralized therapeutic option. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the results of laparoscopic surgery on abdominal wall hernias at a day-surgery unit and to describe our procedure protocol. Prospective analysis of 300 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for abdominal wall hernias was conducted: 260 preperitoneal and 40 intraperitoneal. The patients' clinical features, hernia type, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and follow-up are studied for both types of surgery. All the patients receiving surgery with extraperitoneal laparoscopy were completed as a day-surgical procedure with a rate of conversion to open surgery of 2.3%. Twelve (30%) of the 40 patients operated on for ventral hernias using intraperitoneal laparoscopy required hospitalization: five for perioperative complications and seven for pain (16%). There was no case of infection or mesh rejection. The recurrence rates were 0.78% (two cases) for the inguinal hernias and 2.5% (one case) for the ventral hernias. In conclusion, laparoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernias in a day-surgery setting is an efficient alternative to open surgery. Electronic Publication     

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair after liver transplantation.

Incisional hernias occur in up to 17% of patients after liver transplantation. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is associated with fewer wound complications and a decreased incidence of recurrence when compared to open hernia repair in nontransplant patients. This is a retrospective review of 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LAP group) after liver transplantation compared to 14 patients who had open repairs (OP group; all but one with mesh). Primary immunosuppression in both groups at the time of transplantation was tacrolimus, but more patients in the LAP group were on sirolimus at the time of hernia, while more patients in the OP group were on prednisone at the time of hernia repair. All operations were completed with a laparoscopic approach; there were no conversions to open. Length of stay differed significantly between the 2 groups, with a mean of 5.4 days for the LAP group compared to 2.7 days in the OP group (0.0059). Complications occurred in 2 (15%) of the patients in the LAP group and 5 (36%) in the OP group. One patient in the LAP group required mesh removal to exclude causes of recurrent ascites, and 1 in the OP group for mesh infection. One (7.6%) of the patients in the LAP group developed a recurrence, compared to 29% (4) of the OP group (P =0.3259). In conclusion, laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is safe in patients after liver transplantation, with a low risk of infection or recurrence.     

Open versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal on-lay mesh repair: A comparison of outcomes in small ventral hernia

PurposeThe ideal surgical treatment of small ventral hernias (defect less than 4 cm) is still debatable. In our study, we sought to compare the outcomes of open versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal on-lay mesh (IPOM) repair in small ventral hernias.MethodsPatients with a single ventral hernia defect of less than 4 cm undergoing surgical mesh repair between January 2016 and September 2018 were prospectively registered for this study. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months. Patient demographics, operative findings and regular post-operative follow-up details including recurrence rates and complications were recorded and analysed.Results41 patients underwent laparoscopic IPOM repair and 47 patients underwent open IPOM repair. The mean age for both groups is similar with no significant difference. The mean hernia defect size for the laparoscopic group is 2.8 cm (±0.8) whereas the mean hernia defect size for the open repair group is 2.1 cm (±0.4). The mean surgery duration for open IPOM repair was significantly shorter (59 min (±17) vs 74 min (±26); p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of seroma formation and surgical site infections post-operatively. There was also no significant difference in both groups in terms of chronic pain and recurrence at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionOpen IPOM repair for small ventral hernias may be superior to laparoscopic IPOM repair due to the shorter operative duration, single incision, and no additional risk of port-site hernias. There was no difference in chronic pain, wound infection and recurrence rate between the two groups.     

腹腔镜与开放式无张力修补术治疗腹壁疝临床对比研究

目的 评价腹腔镜腹壁疝修补术（LVHR）的安全性与有效性。方法 对2007年1月至2008年8月间上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院接受无张力修补术的68例腹壁疝病人（缺损长径≤20cm）的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 LVHR 31例,开放式腹壁疝修补术（OVHR）37例。随访时间1～21个月（中位时间11个月）。LVHR与OVHR在年龄、性别比、BMI和疝缺损大小上差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。LVHR与OVHR的平均手术时间分别为（60.5±17.7）min和（75.5±30.3）min（P＝0.017）,平均术后住院天数分别为（6.2±2.5）d和（9.6±8.0）d（P＝0.026）,术后2周内恢复非限制性活动人数分别为96.8%和78.4%（P=0.026）,差异均有统计学意义。两组术后第1天的疼痛评分VAS分别为5.6±1.2和6.3±1.3,差异有统计学意义（P＝0.018）,术后1周和1个月的VAS差异无统计学意义（P＝0.932,P＝0.056）。两组总并发症发生率分别为19.4%和24.3%（P =0.623）,复发率分别为3.2%和5.6%（P =1.000）,差异无统计学意义。两组的住院总费用分别为（18334±5336）元和（9508±9222）元,差异有统计学意义（P =0.000）。结论 LVHR对于缺损长径<20cm的腹壁疝是安全有效的。     

A prospective study between two different techniques for the repair of a large recurrent ventral hernia: a double mesh intraperitoneal repair versus onlay mesh repair

Background: Massive ventral hernias are difficult to repair, especially with multiple recurrences. Numerous methods of repair have been described with an overall recurrence rate up to 33% after first repair and 44% after second repair, mostly occurring within 3 years of the repair. Methods: This is a prospective study on 41 patients who underwent surgery between January 2000 and August 2004 for recurrent large ventral hernias. Patients were randomized into two groups: group A included 22 patients, who were subjected to suture repair with an onlay polypropylene mesh, and group B, which included 19 patients, who were subjected to a tailored double mesh (Vicryl+polypropylene) intraperitoneal repair. Results: Superficial wound infection occurred in two patients (4.8%), one in each group. By a median follow up of 30 months, seroma formation or hernia recurrence was not found in group B in comparison to seven and six cases, respectively, in group A (p≤0.000). There was no intraabdominal complication in the cases subjected to double mesh intraperitoneal repair due to the protective effect of the inner Vicryl layer, which is characterized by its low reactivity. Conclusions: A double mesh intraperitoneal repair (ADMIR) is successful for the repair of recurrent large ventral hernias as it is applicable to all sites of ventral hernias. The mesh is mostly hidden within the abdomen with relatively affordable pain allowing for early mobilization, the complication rate is low and so far no recurrence was reported. A long-term follow up with a larger number of cases is advisable in order to determine the long-term success of this kind of repair.     

Recurrences in laparoscopic incisional hernia repairs: a personal series and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic repair of incisional ventral hernias with ePTFE mesh continues to evolve, with variable reporting of surgical techniques and outcomes. This report of 34 cases discusses, with a literature review of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, specific factors associated with three recurrences. METHOD: Retrospective analysis and review of the literature. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (16 female, 16 male), underwent 34 laparoscopic repairs: average age-54 years (27-80), average weight-207 lbs (100-300). Nineteen patients (62%) were undergoing first time repairs, 38% were redo cases and 5 cases (14%) involved previous mesh. Operating times averaged 101 minutes (45-220), and average length of stay was 1.9 days (0.6 days excluding 5 patients who required readmission), with 13 patients (38%) being discharged same-day. Two patients developed cellulitis (6%) treated without patch removal. Two enterotomies occurred (6%) both requiring patch removal. Five patients required readmission (14%), and one patient died postoperative day 29 secondary to end-stage liver disease. Three recurrences developed (9%): one secondary to missed enterotomy with reoperation, patch removal and hernia recurrence; one due to omission of suspension suture fixation; and one recurrence developed in a section of the intact old previous incision that extended beyond the original patch. Follow up has averaged 20 months (4-36). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernias utilizing transabdominal placement of ePTFE patch can achieve excellent results with low morbidity in comparison with open surgical approaches. In reviewing the experience of other investigators, adequate fixation of the mesh, extension to cover the entire previous incision and standardizing the placement interval of the sutures are critical to the success of the repair.     

Laparoscopic versus open umbilical hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The use of prosthetic material for open umbilical hernia repair has been reported to reduce recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after laparoscopic versus open umbilical hernia repair. METHODS: We reviewed all umbilical hernia repairs performed from November 1995 to October 2000. Demographic data, hernia characteristics, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Of the 76 patients identified, 32 underwent laparoscopic repair (LR), 24 primary suture repairs (PSR), and 20 open repairs with mesh (ORWM). Preoperative characteristics were similar between groups. Hernia size was similar between LR and ORWM groups, and both were larger than that in the PSR group. ORWM compared with the other techniques resulted in longer operating time, more frequent use of drains, higher complication rates, and prolonged return to normal activities (RTNA). The length of stay (LOS) was longer in the ORWM than in the PSR group. When compared with ORWM, LR resulted in lower recurrence rates. LR resulted in fewer recurrences in patients with previous repairs and hernias larger than 3 cm than in both open techniques. CONCLUSIONS: LR results in faster RTNA, and lower complication and recurrence rates compared with those in ORWM. Patients with larger hernias and previous repairs benefit from LR.     

A simplified laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: the scroll technique

Background  Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair has steadily gained recognition as an alternative to the open approach. However, the procedure can be technically challenging. The authors present their simple scroll technique for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods  A total of 174 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using the scroll technique. The technique entails fixation of the rolled mesh to the anterior abdominal wall before it is unfolded. Patient characteristics, operative time, and complications were analyzed and compared with pooled data from the available literature on laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Results  The mean operative time was comparable with that reported by others (mean, 102 vs. 100 min). The hospital stay was shorter (mean, 1.8 vs. 2.4 h). During a mean follow-up period of 28 months, the recurrence rate was lower than that reported by others (1.7% vs. 4.3%). There were no mortalities and no cases of inadvertent bowel injury. Conclusion  The authors’ scroll technique for laparoscopic repair is simple, feasible, and reproducible, with a short learning curve and a low recurrence rate.     

Polyester-based mesh for ventral hernia repair: is it safe?

Introduction

The ideal prosthetic material for ventral hernia repair has yet to be described. Each prosthetic material has unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of tissue ingrowth, adhesion formation, and shrinkage profiles. Polyester-based mesh has shown minimal shrinkage and excellent tissue ingrowth in animal models. However, the macroporous, braided nature of this material has raised several concerns regarding the incidence of infections, fistulas, and bowel obstructions. We have reviewed our experience with polyester-based mesh for the repair of ventral hernias.

Methods

All patients undergoing ventral hernia repair at the Case Comprehensive Hernia Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland from December 2005 to April 2008 were included. Laparoscopic cases underwent intraperitoneal placement of a polyester-based mesh with a collagen hydrogel anti-adhesive barrier. The mesh was sized for at least 4 cm of fascial overlap, and transfascial fixation sutures and titanium spiral tacks were used routinely to secure the mesh to the abdominal wall. Those cases deemed inappropriate for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair underwent open repair. Open ventral hernia repairs were performed using a retrorectus repair, placing the mesh in an extraperitoneal position. Unprotected polyester mesh was used in these cases. Pertinent data included patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative outcomes, and long-term follow-up evaluation.

Results

During the study period 109 patients underwent ventral hernia repair with polyester mesh. Seventy-nine patients had a laparoscopic repair, and 30 patients had an open repair. The mean age was 57 years, with a mean body mass index of 33 kg/m², and American Society of Anesthesia score of 2.6. The patients had undergone 2.1 prior abdominal surgical procedures, and 42 patients had recurrent hernias. Surgical details for the laparoscopic repair and open repair were as follows: mean defect size, 116 versus 403 cm²; mesh size, 367 versus 1,055 cm²; and surgical times, 132 versus 170 minutes, respectively. The average hospital stay was 4.2 days for the laparoscopic repair and 5.8 days for the open repair groups. With a mean follow-up period of 14 months (range, 2-28 mo) in the laparoscopic repair group, 1 patient (1.4%) developed a mesh infection (with a history of a prior methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus mesh infection), 1 patient (1.4%) developed a small-bowel obstruction remote to the mesh on re-exploration, and there were no fistulas. With a mean follow-up period of 11 months (range, 2-21 mo) in the open repair group, 3 wound infections (13%) occurred, 2 involved the mesh, which was salvaged with local wound care in 1, and required partial mesh resection in the other, and there were no bowel obstructions or fistulas during the follow-up evaluation.

Conclusions

This study shows that in this complex group of patients, polyester mesh placed during ventral hernia repair results in acceptable infection rates, and no direct bowel complications or fistulas. Given the macroporous nature of the mesh, each case of infection was treated successfully with local wound measures or partial mesh resection. Polyester-based meshes with an anti-adhesive barrier appear safe for intraperitoneal placement.     

Laparoscopic repair of incisional and ventral hernia

The application of laparoscopic principles to ventral or incisional hernia repair has recently been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to open procedures. In this study we analyzed our recent experience with laparoscopic incisional-ventral hernia repair. The outcomes of 75 consecutive patients (January 2002 to July 2006) who underwent laparoscopic repair for incisional-ventral hernia were reviewed. Patient's demographics, hernia parameters, and intraoperative and postoperative data were collected. Of the 75 patients, 44 were females and 31 males. Mean age was 59.1 yrs (range 29-80 yrs). Mean BMI was 25.9 (range 19.4-36.7). Twenty-one patients had primary ventral hernias while 54 patients had an incisional hernia. Fifty-three patients had a single defect and 22 patients multiple defects. In 45 cases the incisional hernia was a primary hernia; in 4 cases it was a first recurrence; in 2 cases a 2nd recurrence; and in 3 cases a 3rd recurrence. The mean defect size was 52,7 cm2 (range 4-432). Laparoscopic hernia repair was successfully performed in 71 cases (94.7%). The mean mesh size was 211 cm2 (range 63-694). Mean operating time was 101 min (range 50-220 min). The mean hospital stay was 4.7 days. The postoperative morbidity rate was 14%. After a mean follow-up of 24.6 months (range 7-56) the recurrence rate was 7% (5/71). Laparoscopic repair of incisional-ventral hernias seems to be safe and effective. Medium-term outcomes were promising with a relatively low rate of conversion to open surgery, a low complication rate and a low risk of recurrence.     

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with nonfixation of the mesh for 1,692 hernias

Background  This study aimed to examine the recurrence rate and postoperative pain in total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) performed without fixation of the mesh and to compare the rates with those for repairs using fixation of mesh. Methods  A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 3-year period for 929 patients (1,753 hernias) who had undergone TEP. The recurrence rate, pain scores at 24 h and 1 week, hospital stay, days until resumption of normal activities, seroma formation, and urinary retention rates were noted. Results  Of the 929 patients (1,753 hernias), the mesh was fixed (Fx) for 33 (61 hernias) and not fixed (NFx) for 896 (1,692 hernias). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 40 months (mean, 17 months). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean operating time, proportion of patients who had minimal or no pain (score, 1 or 2) 24 h after surgery, or proportion of patients who were totally pain free (score = 1) 1 week postoperatively. The proportions of patients reporting pain at the end of 1 month, the incidence of seroma formation and urinary retention, the hospital stay, and the days until resumption of normal activities were significantly greater in the Fx group than in the NFx group (p < 0.0001). Two patients (0.22%) in the NFx group had recurrence and one patient in the Fx group underwent conversion to open hernia repair. Conclusions  This study found TEP without mesh fixation to be safe and feasible with no increase in recurrence rates. The TEP procedure is associated with significantly less pain at 4 weeks, lower incidence of urinary retention and seroma formation, shorter hospital stay, and early resumption of normal activities.