[Results of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias--a case-control study]

The surgical treatment of ventral hernias has changed in the last decade. Conventional methods involve tightening of the abdominal fascias is the reason for high recurrence rate. While the use of mesh reduces the recurrence rate, it does not change the rate of other complications, in particular, the risk of infection. We report the results of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias performed in 15 patients (10 female, 5 male). The average age of patients was 59.5 years (39-79). Indications included 7 recurrent incisional hernias (3 patients had second recurrence, 4 patients had first recurrence operated on without mesh in the first operation); 5 patients with primary incisional hernias; and 3 primary umbilical hernias. The mean size of the defect was 66.2 cm2 (16-130 cm2). Average operation time was 101 minutes (64-190 min). In the postoperative period 1 patient developed seroma, and 4 patients developed ileus each was successfully treated conservatively. In one patient a second-look laparoscopy was performed because of neuralgia. Length of hospital stay varied between 3 and 10 days (median: 6 days); the length of follow-up period was 5-22 months (median: 12.4 months). We believe that laparoscopic treatment of ventral hernias reduces the complication rate, and reduces hospital stay.