title: Laparoscopic repair of umbilical hernias in conjunction with other laparoscopic procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study evaluates the feasibility of laparoscopic transfascial suture repair of umbilical hernias when combined with another laparoscopic procedure that potentially contaminates the peritoneal cavity.
  
  
  METHODS
  From August 1997 to November 2001, 32 patients underwent laparoscopic umbilical suture repair in association with another laparoscopic procedure. The repair was performed with the Carter-Thomason suture passer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 32, 26 patients with more than 1-year follow-up were included in the study. The mean diameter of the umbilical hernia defect was 1.67 cm (range, 0.5 to 3). At a mean follow-up of 34 months (range, 12 to 60), there were only 2 recurrences (7.7%) both of which happened in patients with hernia defects larger than 2 cm in diameter. Apart from 2 wound infections, no other complications occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic suture repair of umbilical hernias with the suture passer method is effective and durable even when combined with other laparoscopic procedures that potentially contaminate the peritoneal cavity with bile or enteric contents.
authors.affiliation: Veteran Administration Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. eidgm@msx.upmc.edu
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Eid
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Thodiyil
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bonanomi
authors.forename: Samer G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Mattar
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Philip R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Schauer
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006554:Hernia, Umbilical / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D013536:Suture Techniques