title: Retrospective failure analysis in laparoscopic hernia repair possible because of routine videodocumentation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies performed to date show that laparoscopic hernia repair is superior to conventional procedures with regard to postoperative pain, complications, and duration of inability to work.
  
  
  METHODS
  From August 1, 1992, to February 16, 1995, we performed 245 laparoscopic hernia procedures on 224 patients utilizing a transabdominal preperitoneal polypropylene mesh-plasty (TAPP).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed in the first 100 patients a total of 21 postoperative complications in 20 patients (21%). We observed 3 hernia occurrences (3%) in this group. Due to careful video documentation of all procedures, retrospective analysis of operative failure was possible. Working on the complications occurring resulted in a modification of the procedure, leading to a standardization of the operative technique and to a rigorous reduction in the number of complications and recurrences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Video-assisted retrospective failure analysis is consequently an effective method to use to optimize the results of minimal invasive hernia repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Country Hospital, Carinagasse 47, A-6807 Feldkirch, Austria.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scheyer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014741:Video Recording