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.
LeBlanc
K A
KA
Surgical Specialty Group, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, USA.
Booth
W V
WV
Whitaker
J M
JM
Bellanger
D E
DE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016684:Prone Position; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome