BackgroundFew studies have evaluated surgical outcomes in long-term follow-up for patients undergoing Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair (LVHR).MethodsA retrospective review of long-term follow-up of LVHR patients (2002–2005) at a single institution.ResultsSixty-three patients (37 males; mean age?=?63, mean BMI?=?33, 41% for recurrence) underwent LVHR. Mean operative time was 164?min. Mean hospital stay was 3.7 days. Short- and long-term complications occurred in 19% and 44% of patients, respectively.Mean follow-up was 12.4 years. Recurrent hernias were noted in 15 patients. Seroma formation occurred in 14 patients; small bowel obstruction occurred in 10 patients. Five patients developed mesh infection. Use of PTFE mesh, longer operative time, and a larger hernia defect were risk factors for mesh infection (p?<?0.05).ConclusionsLong-term outcomes for patients undergoing LVHR are fraught with complications (44%) and a considerable risk of hernia recurrence (23%). |
