Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia: a retrospective study of 159 patients.
BACKGROUND
In this long-term retrospective study, a laparoscopic technique was used for incisional hernia repair.


METHODS
Over a 6-year period, we performed laparoscopic repairs with prosthetic mesh in 159 patients suffering from incisional hernia. Morbidity factors were noted and operative data were collected. In addition, early and long-term complications and recurrences were analyzed.


RESULTS
There were no deaths as a result of the procedure. In 21 patients (13.8%), the operation was converted to an open procedure. Small bowel perforation occurred in three patients (1.9%). Mean hospital stay was 3.5 days. Early complications occurred in 61 patients (44%). The mean follow-up time was 49 months. There were no infections of the prosthetic mesh. Residual abdominal pain was reported in 31 patients (26%). Bowel obstructions requiring resection were found in two patients (1%), and hernia recurrence was observed in 19 patients (15.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic herniorraphy is a promising technique with all the advantages of minimal-invasive surgery. Nevertheless, close attention needs to be paid to the choice of the hernia and mesh size and to the fixing of the mesh.
Bageacu
S
S
Department of General Surgery, Hopital Bellevue, C.H.U. de Saint-Etienne, 42055 Saint-Etienne Cedex 2, France.
Blanc
P
P
Breton
C
C
Gonzales
M
M
Porcheron
J
J
Chabert
M
M
Balique
J G
JG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011126:Polypropylenes