title: Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias located on the abdominal borders: a retrospective critical review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and results of laparoscopic approach to repair incisional hernias of the abdominal borders, the weakest points of abdominal wall.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since 2002 through 2008 a total of 39 patients with fascial defects of the abdominal borders underwent laparoscopic repair. The defects were suprapubic (n=18), subxiphoidal (n=15), and lateral sided (n=6). The body mass index was >oe=30 Kg/m2 in 19 patients. The parietal defects was measured both externally and from within the peritoneal cavity and 56% of meshes were fixed only by tacks, especially in suprapubic site.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operating time was 161.8+/-25 minutes. There was 1 intraoperative complication, an intestinal injury repaired laparoscopically. Conversion was needed in 1 patient for massive adhesions. Postoperative early surgical complications were 7 (1 seroma). Morbidity in obese and nonobese patients showed no statistically relevant difference (P>0.05). There was no postoperative death. Mean hospital stay was 5.1+/-3 days. The mean follow-up was 37 months and recurrence was observed in 3 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The onlay laparoscopic approach for repair of incisional hernias of the abdominal borders can warrant good results. Obesity is not a contraindication to laparoscopic repair. Anyway, further experiences are necessary to confirm these results.
authors.affiliation: Surgery and Videolaparoscopy Department, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni Carlo
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sansonna
authors.forename: Carmelo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Magistro
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Di Lernia
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maggioni
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Franzetti
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Costanzi
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pugliese
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies