title: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a single center experience.
abstract: A retrospective chart review at the Carolinas Medical Center was performed on all patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) from July 1998 through December 2003. LVHR was successfully completed in 270 of the 277 patients, or 98%, in whom it was attempted. Half of the patients (138/277) had at least one previous failed repair. The average defect measured 143.3 cm(2), and mesh was used in all repairs. The mean operating time was 168.3 min, mean blood loss was 50 cc, and average length of hospitalization was 3.0 days. Thirty-four complications occurred in 31 patients (11%). Only two mesh infections occurred (0.7%). At a mean follow-up period of 21 months, the rate of hernia recurrence was 4.7%. As experience grows and length of follow-up expands, LVHR may become the preferred approach for ventral hernia in difficult patients, especially obese patients and patients who have failed prior open repairs.
authors.affiliation: Carolinas Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgery Program, Department of General Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., MEB #601, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA. todd.heniford@carolinashealthcare.org
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Cobb
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Kercher
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: N H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Tinkham
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Sing
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Heniford
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene