title: Laparoscopic treatment of ventral hernias: prospective evaluation.
abstract: We describe 50 patients who recently underwent laparoscopic surgery. Early results, complications, and follow-up data were collected prospectively. Of 50 patients, 34 had an incisional hernia, whereas 16 had a primary defect. Three trocars were inserted. EndoShears or Ultracision was used for tissue manipulation. The prosthetic mesh used was an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh, inserted through the first trocar and fixed with a helicoidal stapler. Patients were followed-up in the outpatient clinic (mean, 14 months). Every operation was successfully completed, and mean operative time was 103 minutes. There were two small bowel injuries (4%) repaired by minilaparotomy. Postoperative pain was limited. Bowel movements, ambulation, and discharge were prompt. We noted 4 cases of urinary retention (8%), 8 seromas (16%), and 1 prolonged ileus, which resolved on day 5 spontaneously. Mean postoperative stay was 4 days. One patient was readmitted after 4 weeks because of incomplete obstruction, resolved conservatively. There has been only 1 recurrence (2%), 8 months after the operation. The technique appears safe and efficacious.
authors.affiliation: First Division of General Surgery and Transplantation, Careggi Hospital, Viale Morgagni 85, 50134 Florence, Italy. lapbenc@tin.it
authors.forename: Lapo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bencini
authors.forename: Luis Josè
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scatizzi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farsi
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Boffi
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moretti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function