Background: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is becoming a promising alternative with many potential advantages, but this procedure is still under study. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach to ventral hernia repair.
Methods: One hundred consecutive laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs between April 2000 and February 2003 were prospectively entered into a database and reviewed.
Results: Ninety-seven ventral hernia repairs were completed laparoscopically. The mean time in the operating room was 128 minutes (range 37 to 255). The average length of stay was 2 days (range 0 to 9). The mortality rate was 0%. A total of 23% of patients experienced postoperative complications. Over a mean follow-up period of 3 months (range 0 to 26), 6% (6 of 97) of patients experienced recurrences.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can be safely performed with a low conversion rate and acceptable recurrence rate, operative time, length of stay, and morbidity. Securing the mesh with full-thickness abdominal wall sutures in at least 4 quadrants remains a key factor in preventing early recurrence.