title: Laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia in a laparoscopic experienced surgical center: low recurrence rate, morbidity, and chronic pain are achievable.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Recurrence rate and the perioperative outcome evaluation through laparoscopic approach for ventral (primary and incisional) hernia repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective evaluation of a series of patients treated through a minimally invasive approach for ventral hernia was performed. A standardized surgical technique was adopted. All the patients were evaluated through a clinical follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From July 2004 to June 2011, 150 videolaparoscopic ventral hernia repairs were performed. The median follow-up was 40 months. One hernia recurrence (0.7%) was detected after 55 months. The intraoperative and postoperative complication rate was 2.6% (1 conversion to open surgery) and 5.3%, respectively. Chronic pain nonresponsive to drug was registered in 2 patients (1.3%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The videolaparoscopic approach to ventral hernia repair is a safe technique that can guarantee a low recurrence rate; moreover, if it is performed in an experienced laparoscopic surgical center, it can be a valid alternative to the traditional open approach.
authors.affiliation: Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy.
authors.forename: Eugenio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cocozza
authors.forename: Mattia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berselli
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Latham
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Livraghi
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Farassino
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mangano
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Guffanti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014743:Videotape Recording