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 about 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 records 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 complication rate was 14%, with seromas accounting for half of the postoperative problems. Mean hospital stay was 1 day. The late recurrence rate was 9%, with 4 of the 9 recurrences developing >2 years postoperatively. Conclusions: Laparoscopic incisional and ventral herniorrhaphy is safe and effective. Most patients require hospitalization for ≤24 hours. Use of an adequately sized prosthesis secured with more than one method is essential. Patients should be observed ≥3 years.