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.     

Laparoscopic versus open ventral hernia mesh repair: a prospective study

Background An incisional hernia develops in 3% to 13% of laparotomy incisions, with primary suture repair of ventral hernias yielding unsatisfactory results. The introduction of a prosthetic mesh to ensure abdominal wall strength without tension has decreased the recurrence rate, but open repair requires significant soft tissue dissection in tissues that are already of poor quality as well as flap creation, increasing complication rates and affecting the recurrence rate. A minimally invasive approach was applied to the repair pf ventral hernias, with the expectation of earlier recovery, fewer postoperative complications, and decreased recurrence rates. This prospective study was performed to objectively analyze and compare the outcomes after open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods The outcomes for 50 unselected patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair were compared with those for 50 consecutive unselected patients who underwent open repair. The open surgical operations were performed by the Rives and Stoppa technique using prosthetic mesh, whereas the laparoscopic repairs were performed using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair technique in all cases. Results The study group consisted of 100 patients (82 women and 18 men) with a mean age of 55.25 years (range, 30–83 years). The patients in the two groups were comparable at baseline in terms of sex, presenting complaints, and comorbid conditions. The patients in laparoscopic group had larger defects (93.96 vs 55.88 cm²; p = 0.0023). The mean follow-up time was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.5640–23.0227 months). The mean surgery durations were 90.6 min for the laparoscopic repair and 93.3 min for the open repair (p = 0.769, nonsignificant difference). The mean postoperative stay was shorter for the laparoscopic group than for the open hernia group (2.7 vs 4.7 days; p = 0.044). The pain scores were similar in the two groups at 24 and 48 h, but significantly less at 72 h in the laparoscopic group (mean visual analog scale score, 2.9412 vs 4.1702; p = 0.001). There were fewer complications (24%) and recurrences (2%) among the patients who underwent laparoscopic repair than among those who had open repair (30% and 10%, respectively). Conclusions The findings demonstrate that laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in our experience was safe and resulted in shorter operative time, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and less recurrence. Hence, it should be considered as the procedure of choice for ventral hernia repair.     

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.     

Comparison of laparoscopic primary and open primary repair of ventral hernias

Prosthetic materials have gained popularity for ventral hernia repair. There are situations when the use of a mesh is either unnecessary or contraindicated. This study compares 51 patients with ventral hernia who underwent laparoscopic or open primary suture repair. Results were determined by a median follow-up of 33 months. Recurrence rates and operative time were the major parameters of outcome. Mean operative time was insignificantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (14.8 ± 4.3 vs. 15.6 ± 3.7 min). There were no short-term complications in groups. One patient in each group had recurrence. Conclusively, laparoscopic primary repair of small ventral hernias is simple and can be performed as an initial approach for small defects. Compared with open repair, it has the advantages of better exposure, reduced pain, and less morbidity. It can also be performed as a component of a combined laparoscopic operation. However, this technique is not recommended for repair of large ventral hernias.     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is safe and cost effective

BACKGROUND: Ventral hernia repair is increasingly performed by laparoscopic means since the introduction of dual-layer meshes. This study aimed to compare the early complications and cost effectiveness of open hernia repair with those associated with laparoscopic repair. METHODS: Open ventral hernia repair was performed for 92 consecutive patients using a Vypro mesh, followed by laparoscopic repair for 49 consecutive patients using a Parietene composite mesh. RESULTS: The rate of surgical-site infections was significantly higher with open ventral hernia repair (13 vs 1; p = 0.03). The median length of hospital stay was significantly shorter with laparoscopic surgery (7 vs 6 days; p = 0.02). For laparoscopic repair, the direct operative costs were higher (2,314 vs 2,853 euros; p = 0.03), and the overall hospital costs were lower (9,787 vs 7,654 euros; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair leads to fewer surgical-site infections and a shorter hospital stay than open repair. Despite increased operative costs, overall hospital costs are lowered by laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.     

Comparison of open and laparoscopic prosthetic repair of large ventral hernias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Open ventral hernia repair is associated with significant morbidity and high recurrence rates. Recently, the laparoscopic approach has evolved as an attractive alternative. Our objective was to compare open with laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs. METHODS: Fifty laparoscopic and 22 open ventral hernia repairs were included in the study. All patients underwent a tension-free repair with retromuscular placement of the prosthesis. No significant difference between the 2 groups was noted regarding patient demographics and hernia characteristics except that the population in the open group was relatively older (59.4 vs 47.82, P < 0.003). RESULTS: We found no significant difference in the operative time between the 2 groups (laparoscopic 132.7 min vs open 152.7 min). Laparoscopic repair was associated with a significant reduction in the postoperative narcotic requirements (27 vs 58.95 mg i.v. morphine, P < 0.002) and the lengths of nothing by mouth (NPO) status (10 vs 55.3 hrs. P < 0.001), and hospital stay (1.88 vs 5.38 days, P < 0.001). The incidence of major complications (1 vs 4, P < 0.028), the hernia recurrence (1 vs 4, P < 0.028), and the time required for return to work (25.95 vs 47.8, P < 0.036) were significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty offers significant advantages and should be considered for repair of primary and incisional ventral hernias.     

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.     

Safety of Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair in Octogenarians

Background and Objectives:

The recurrence rate after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is lower than the rate of recurrence via the open approach in many series. Studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this procedure but have had relatively young patient populations. We present our experience in a significantly older population.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all patients 80 to 89 years of age undergoing a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at our institution from May 2000 to June 2007 was performed. Data collected included demographics, number and type of previous abdominal operations, number of previous hernia repairs, defect and mesh size, postoperative complications, and follow-up.

Results:

Twenty octogenarian patients underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Nine were men and 11 were women. The mean age was 82 years. Thirteen patients (65%) had one or more associated comorbidities at the time of surgery. Eighteen patients (90%) had undergone a mean of 1.7 prior abdominal operations. Six (30%) patients had undergone a mean of 1.1 previous open hernia repairs; 5 (83%) with mesh. Eight patients (40%) had an additional operative procedure at the time of laparoscopic hernia repair. Ten minor complications occurred in 10 patients (50%). Four major complications occurred in 4 patients (20%). One patient required reoperation for evacuation of hematoma at a trocar site. No patients complained of pain at a transabdominal suture site or persistent seromas by 6 weeks of follow-up. At mean follow-up of 3.1 months, no recurrences occurred and no patients required mesh removal in this series. No deaths occurred.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is becoming an accepted technique for hernia repair in the United States, with a well-documented low recurrence rate. Our series demonstrates that this approach is equally safe and effective for a significantly older segment of the population.     

Recurrent incisional hernia repairs at a tertiary hernia center: Are outcomes really inferior to initial repairs?

BackgroundRecurrent ventral hernia repairs are reported to have higher recurrence and complication rates than initial ventral hernia repairs. This is the largest analysis of outcomes for initial versus recurrent open ventral hernia repairs reported in the literature.MethodsA prospective, institutional database at a tertiary hernia center was queried for patients undergoing open ventral hernia repairs with complete fascial closure and synthetic mesh placement.ResultsA total of 1,694 open ventral hernia repairs patients were identified, including 896 (52.9%) initial ventral hernia repairs and 798 (47.1%)recurrent ventral hernia repairs. Recurrent ventral hernia repair patients were more complex: older (P = .003), higher body mass index (P < .001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (P < .001), incidence of diabetics (P = .003), comorbidities (P < .001), and larger hernia defects (133.3 ± 171.9 vs 220.2 ± 210.0; P < .001). Recurrent ventral hernia repairs also had longer operative times (161.6 ± 82.4 vs 188.2 ± 68.9 minutes; P < .001), increased use of preoperative botulinum toxin A injection (4.3% vs 10.1%; P = .01), components separation (19.2% vs 39.5%; P < .001), and panniculectomy (20.3% vs 35.8%; P < .001). The overall hernia recurrence rate was 4.4% at a mean follow-up of 36.6 ± 45.5 months. Between the initial ventral hernia repairs and recurrent ventral hernia repairs, the hernia recurrence rates were equivalent (4.2% vs 4.7%, P = .63). Rates of wound infection, seromas, hematomas, mesh infections, and wound related reoperations (P > .05) were nonsignificant.ConclusionAt a tertiary hernia center, despite higher-risk patients, larger hernia defects, and increased components separation in recurrent ventral hernia repairs, early recurrence rates, wound complications, and reoperations are similar to initial ventral hernia repairs.     

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia has become increasingly popular, its outcomes relative to open repair have not been well characterized. For this reason, we performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing open and laparoscopic ventral (including incisional) hernia repair. HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair results in better short-term outcomes than open ventral hernia repair. DATA SOURCES: Structured MEDLINE search for published studies. One unpublished study was also identified. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were selected on the basis of study design (comparison of laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair). The 3 main outcome measures were perioperative complications, operative time, and length of hospital stay. Of 83 potential studies identified by abstract review, 8 (10%) met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers assessed each article to determine eligibility for inclusion and, where appropriate, abstracted information on patient characteristics and main outcome measures. DATA SYNTHESIS: Across 8 studies, 390 patients underwent open repair and 322 underwent laparoscopic repair. Perioperative complications were less than half as likely to occur in patients undergoing laparoscopic repair (14% vs 27%; P =.03; odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.68). Average length of stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (2.0 vs 4.0 days; P =.02). No statistically significant difference in operative times was noted between laparoscopic and open repair (99 vs 96 minutes; P =.38). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair offers lower complication rates and shorter length of stay than open repair. However, randomized controlled trials and studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings and to assess long-term rates of hernia recurrence.     

Laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair: A more effective alternative to conventional repair of recurrent incisional hernia

Conventional repair of recurrent ventral incisional hernia is associated with a higher recurrence rate (30%-50%) than repair of primary incisional hernia (11%-20%). Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) can significantly reduce the recurrence rate of primary hernia to less than 5%. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of repairing recurrent incisional hernia laparoscopically. One-hundred and seventy consecutive patients undergoing LIHR between January 1995 and December 2002 were prospectively reviewed. Patients with recurrent incisional hernia (n = 69) were compared to patients with primary incisional hernia (n = 101). Patient demographics and perioperative and postoperative data were recorded prospectively. Follow-up was obtained from office visits and telephone interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t test and the x ²test. Results are expressed as means ± standard deviation. The patients with recurrent incisional hernia had a mean of 1.9 ± 1.3 previous repairs, higher body mass index (BMI) (34 ± 6 kg/m² vs. 33 ± 8 kg/m², P = 0.46), larger defect size (123 ± 115 cm² vs. 101 ± 108 cm², P = 0.06), and longer operative time (119 ± 61 minutes vs. 109 ± 44 minutes, P= 0.11). The complication rate was higher in the recurrent group (28% vs. 11%, P = 0.01), but the recurrence rate was not different (7% vs. 5%, P= 0.53). The mean time to recurrence was significantly shorter in the recurrent group (3 ± 2 months vs. 14 ± 7 months, P < 0.0001). The mean follow-up interval was 19 ± 18 months in the recurrent group and 27 ± 20 months in the primary group. Although laparoscopic repair of recurrent incisional hernia resulted in a higher recurrence and complication rate than laparoscopic repair of primary incisional hernia, the rates were lower than those reported for conventional repair of recurrent incisional hernia. Laparoscopic repair of recurrent incisional hernia is an effective alternative to conventional repair. Supported in part by Tyco/US Surgical Corporation through an educational grant to the University of Kentucky Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.     

Proper mesh overlap is a key determinant in hernia recurrence following laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair

Background

Ventral hernia can be repaired through either an open or laparoscopic approach. A major problem following hernia repair is recurrence, and the technique used for hernia repair influences the rate of hernia recurrence. Data from individual studies show that the area of mesh overlap used during hernia repair correlates with hernia recurrence, but no meta-analyses have previously been published. The aim of this review was to perform a meta-analysis to determine if the area of mesh overlap correlates with the rate of hernia recurrence after ventral and incisional hernia repair.

Methods

Studies from 1990 to 2013 that used a mesh in open or laparoscopic procedures, and that reported both the area of mesh overlap beyond the fascial defect and the recurrence rate, were assessed for inclusion in the final analysis. A pooled estimation of combined overall risk was calculated according to a random effect model.

Results

A total of 95 articles, with 111 study populations, met all criteria and were included in the final analysis. For open procedures, results showed no correlation between the pooled estimation of risk for recurrence of ventral hernia and area of mesh overlap used for hernia repair (<3 cm, incidence rate 0.065; 3–5 cm, incidence rate 0.070; >5 cm, incidence rate 0.060). In laparoscopic procedures, the pooled estimation of risk for recurrence of hernia decreased with increasing area of mesh overlap (<3 cm, incidence rate 0.086; 3–5 cm, incidence rate 0.046; >5 cm, incidence rate 0.014).

Conclusion

Risk of hernia recurrence decreases with increasing area of mesh overlap in laparoscopic, but not open, procedures for ventral hernia repair.

     

Proceed? Mesh for Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic technique to repair ventral hernia offers advantages over conventional open surgery such as shorter recovery time, decreased pain, and lower recurrence rates. There are a myriad of meshes available for laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias. This study evaluated the outcomes of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias with Proceed mesh (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in a single academic institution.

Methods:

An institutional review board–approved retrospective review was performed for 100 consecutive patients with ventral hernia who underwent a laparoscopic approach at our institution from August 2006 to February 2009. All patients were operated on by a single surgeon using a standard technique with transabdominal suture fixation and tacks.

Results:

The study included 100 consecutive patients (57 female and 43 male patients). The mean age was 55 years (range, 16–78 years), and the mean body mass index was 33.3 kg/m² (range, 19.6–68.9 kg/m²). Of the repairs, 27% were performed for a recurrent hernia. The mean and median size of the defect were 128 cm² and 119.5 cm² (range, 4–500 cm²), respectively. To ensure appropriate mesh overlap, the mean size of mesh was 253 cm² (range, 36–700 cm²). There were 4 conversions. The mean operative time was 117 minutes (range, 35–286 minutes). The mean length of stay was 1.9 days. There were no major abdominal complications. With a mean follow-up period of 50 months (range, 38–68 months), we have not recorded any recurrences. No mesh-related complications have been documented.

Conclusions:

The laparoscopic approach to ventral hernia repairs using Proceed mesh is associated with a low conversion rate and no major complications. At 50 months of follow-up, the recurrence rate is 0%. There were no mesh-related complications.     

One hundred consecutive laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is becoming a promising alternative with many potential advantages, but this procedure is still under study. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach to ventral hernia repair. METHODS: One hundred consecutive laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs between April 2000 and February 2003 were prospectively entered into a database and reviewed. RESULTS: Ninety-seven ventral hernia repairs were completed laparoscopically. The mean time in the operating room was 128 minutes (range 37 to 255). The average length of stay was 2 days (range 0 to 9). The mortality rate was 0%. A total of 23% of patients experienced postoperative complications. Over a mean follow-up period of 3 months (range 0 to 26), 6% (6 of 97) of patients experienced recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can be safely performed with a low conversion rate and acceptable recurrence rate, operative time, length of stay, and morbidity. Securing the mesh with full-thickness abdominal wall sutures in at least 4 quadrants remains a key factor in preventing early recurrence.     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a systematic review

Background  Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may be an alternative to open mesh repair as it avoids a large abdominal incision, and thus potentially reduces pain and hospital stay. This review aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in comparison with open ventral hernia repair. Method  A systematic review was conducted, with comprehensive searches identifying six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and eight nonrandomised comparative studies. Results  The laparoscopic approach may have a lower recurrence rate than the open approach and required a shorter hospital stay. Five RCTs (Barbaros et al., Hernia 11:51–56, 2007; Misra et al., Surg Endosc 20:1839–1845, 2006; Navarra et al., Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 17:86–90, 2007; Moreno-Egea et al., Arch Surg 137:266–1268, 2002; Carbajo et al., Surg Endosc 13:250–252, 1999) reported no conversion (0%) to open surgery, and four nonrandomised studies reported conversions to open surgery ranging from 0% to 14%. Open approach complications generally were wound related, whereas the laparoscopic approach reported both wound- and procedure-related complications and these appeared to be less frequently reported. Conclusion  Based on current evidence, the relative safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach in comparison with the open approach remains uncertain. The laparoscopic approach may be more suitable for straightforward hernias, with open repair reserved for the more complex hernias. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair appears to be an acceptable alternative that can be offered by surgeons proficient in advanced laparoscopic techniques.     

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.     

Intraperitoneal tension-free repair of small midline ventral abdominal wall hernias with a Ventralex hernia patch: initial experience in 51 patients

Midline ventral hernias are common. Tension-free mesh repair of ventral hernias is becoming popular due to the high recurrence rate with conventional techniques. We have used an open intraperitoneal technique using the Bard Ventralex hernia patch in midline ventral hernias (≤3 cm). Fifty-one patients were treated (34 males and 17 females) with a mean age of 52.4 years (range 18–82). Forty-three patients were day cases. Operative times, analgesic use, overnight hospital stay and postoperative complications were recorded prospectively. The mean operative time was 30 min (range 10–68). Thirty-six patients required mild/moderate postoperative analgesia. Two patients had minor wound infections and one had seroma. There was one recurrence. Our early experience suggests that Ventralex hernia patch repair of small midline ventral hernias can be performed as a day case with minimal postoperative complications.     

Feasibility and outcome after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using Proceed mesh

Background  There are many different meshes available for laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias. A relatively new product is the Proceed mesh with a bioresorbable layer against the bowels and a polypropylene layer against the abdominal wall. There are, however, no human data available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using the Proceed mesh in humans. Methods  Patients presenting for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in our department from September 2004 to October 2006 were included in the study. All patients had a standard laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using the Proceed mesh secured with tackers with a double crown technique. Patients were discharged according to standard discharge criteria, and follow-up was performed with a search in the national patient database and with manual search in the patients’ files. Results  Our study included 49 patients with a median age of 64 years (range 30–89) and body mass index of 27.8 (19.4–50.5). The dimensions of the mesh varied from 4 × 4 cm to 30 × 40 cm (median 15 × 15 cm). One patient developed an uncomplicated wound infection and none of the 49 patients developed mesh infections or postoperative seroma requiring surgical intervention. Thus, there were no mesh-related complications. During the follow-up period of 17 months (3–27), we have not seen any postoperative recurrences. The median length of stay was 1 day (range 0–63), and there was no mortality. Conclusion  Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in humans using the Proceed mesh is feasible and has a low complication rate even in obese patients or those with pulmonary disease.