Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Our experience of 61 consecutive series: Prospective study

BackgroundVentral 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.MethodsLaparoscopic 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° 5 mm scope, two other 5 mm ports and a single 10–15 mm port were used. The follow-up was by outpatient visits.ResultsThirty-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 23 hours 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).ConclusionLaparoscopic 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.