Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Our experience of 61 consecutive series: prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Ventral hernia is commonly repaired by the open mesh method. However, since the introduction of the laparoscopic technique, it is increasingly becoming the method of choice of treating ventral hernia. The aim of this study is to evaluate our initial experience of 61 consecutive laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs.


METHODS
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair was performed for 61 consecutive patients. All operations were performed by a single consultant surgeon through a period of 16 months. Different types and sizes of hernias were repaired using a suitable mesh size. A 0 degrees 5mm scope, two other 5mm ports and a single 10-15mm port were used. The follow-up was by outpatient visits.


RESULTS
Thirty-two men (52.45%) and 29 women (47.54%) were included in this study. The mean age was 53.42 years (range 39-80 years). The mean hospital stay for 34 (54.74%) patients was 1.67 days (range 1-9 days), while 27 (44.26%) patients were discharged within 23hours of the time of the admission. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.59 (range 21-47). The morbidity rate was 16.39% (10 complications).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is feasible, safe and associated with an acceptable rate of complications. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can be performed as short stay surgery.
Hussain
A
A
Department of General Surgery and Minimal Access Surgery, Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, Orpington, BR6 8ND, kent, UK. azahrahussain@yahoo.com
Mahmood
H
H
Nicholls
J
J
El-Hasani
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies