title: Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVH): an evolving outpatient technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The contemporary results of open incisional and ventral hernia repair are unsatisfactory because of high recurrence rates and morbidity levels. Laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernias (LIVH) can be accomplished in a simple, reproducible manner while dramatically lowering recurrence rates and morbidity.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred consecutive patents underwent laparoscopic repair of their ventral and incisional hernias over a 27-month period. Composix mesh and Composix E/X mesh (Davol Inc., Cranston, RI) were utilized for the repairs. Transfixion sutures were not used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All repairs were completed laparoscopically. No conversions to open techniques were necessary. No postoperative infections have been observed. One recurrent hernia was identified and subsequently repaired with the same technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LIVH can be accomplished with a dramatic reduction in recurrence rates and morbidity. The technique for this repair is still in a state of evolution. The construction and handling characteristics of this particular type of mesh have allowed us to eliminate transfixion sutures and to simplify the repair technique while maintaining a very low recurrence rate.
authors.affiliation: Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Clinton, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: G Kevin
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Gillian
authors.forename: W Peter
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Geis
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grover
mesh_terms: D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D013526:Surgical Mesh
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene