title: Prospective, multicenter study of laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty. Preliminary results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A standard technique for laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty (peritoneal onlay using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene [ePTFE] patch for hernias >/=4 cm2) is being used in a prospective, multicenter, long-term study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Follow-up clinical evaluations were conducted 7-10 days, 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and then annually after surgery in all patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the first 2 years of the study, 144 patients were enrolled; nine were lost to follow-up. The mean operating time was 120 min. The mean follow-up was 222 days (range 5-731). Postoperative complications were five infections, three cases of prolonged ileus, one bowel obstruction, 23 seromas (15 resolved without intervention), and six hernia recurrences. Hospital discharge occurred a mean of 2.3 days after surgery and return to normal activity a mean of 15 days postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic prosthetic ventral hernioplasty avoids the large wound required in open repairs, with attendant complications and recurrences, and appears safe, especially if an ePTFE mesh is used. Compared with conventional open ventral hernioplasty, the laparoscopic technique may also allow shorter hospitalization and a quicker return to normal activities after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Community Medical Center, 1800 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA 18510, USA.
authors.forename: F K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Toy
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Chappuis
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gagner
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Josephs
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Mangiante
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pomp
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Smoot
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Uddo
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Voeller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene