Is laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh a reasonable alternative to conventional repair?
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic mesh repair has been advocated as treatment of choice for ventral hernias. The term "ventral hernia" refers to a variety of abdominal wall defects and laparoscopic papers have not reported defect specific analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine any advantages to laparoscopic mesh repair of umbilical hernias.


METHODS
A retrospective review (January 1998 to April 2001) was made of patients undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Patients were categorized into three groups: laparoscopic repair with mesh, open repair with mesh, and open repair without mesh. Comparative analysis was performed.


RESULTS
One-hundred and sixteen umbilical hernia repairs were performed in 112 patients: 30 laparoscopic mesh repairs, 20 open mesh repairs, and 66 open nonmesh repairs. The laparoscopic technique was used for larger defects and took more time with a trend toward fewer postoperative complications and recurrences.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh presents a reasonable alternative to conventional methods of repair.
Wright
Byron E
BE
Department of General Surgery, Hennepin County Medical Center, 701 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415-1829, USA. bsrdwright@aol.com
Beckerman
Jason
J
Cohen
Melissa
M
Cumming
John K
JK
Rodriguez
Jorge L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006554:Hernia, Umbilical / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*