Technique and early results of outpatient laparoscopic mesh onlay repair of ventral hernias.
BACKGROUND
This report describes the technique and early results of a simple outpatient laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.


METHODS
Data were gathered prospectively for all laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs from January 1996 to December 1997 at a 228-bed hospital. Prolene mesh was stapled to the peritoneal surface of the abdominal wall, leaving sac in situ and mesh uncovered. Patients were seen by the operating surgeon within 2 months, and by an impartial surgeon (J.S.) after 3 to 14 months (average, 7 months; median, 6 months).


RESULTS
Repairs involved 44 hernias with orifice sizes 2 to 20 cm in diameter, and an average area of 20 cm(2). Of these 44 hernias, 36 were postoperative and 8 primary. Furthermore, 20% were recurrent hernias. There were four conversions. The outpatient rate was 98%, with one readmission for ileus. The early recurrence rate was 5%.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic mesh onlay repair is a safe, easy, and effective procedure with minimal discomfort and a low early recurrence rate that can be performed safely on an outpatient basis.
Szymanski
J
J
Department of Surgery, The Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division, Scarborough, Suite 1840, 3030 Birchmount Road, Canada M1W 3W3.
Voitk
A
A
Joffe
J
J
Alvarez
C
C
Rosenthal
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome