title: Initial experience with laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Development of a safe, unobtrusive means to repair the large incisional hernia continues to represent a challenge to surgeons.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of the first 12 patients who underwent an attempt at laparoscopic repair of an incisional hernia at a single institution was carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 12 attempts at laparoscopic repair, 11 were completed. No serious perioperative morbidity was encountered. During a mean follow-up of 12.5 months, one recurrence (due to a technical shortcoming that has since been overcome) was identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The laparoscopic approach to incisional hernia repair is a safe alternative to open repair of abdominal wall defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Flint
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Ferrara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome