Laparoscopic intraperitoneal repair of postoperative ventral incisional hernia using Composix mesh

This report describes the technique and early results obtained with a simple laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay Composix mesh repair for postoperative ventral hernia. Composix mesh is constructed from one layer of polypropylene mesh and another layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). From March 2000 to October 2001, we performed laparoscopic repair of postoperative ventral hernia in 9 patients. Four (44%) of these patients had a history of at least one failed hernia repair. The size of the abdominal wall defect varied from 4 x 5 cm to 10 x 12 cm (median, 8 x 9 cm). In all cases, the Composix mesh (Bard Inc. USA) was stapled to the peritoneal surface of the abdominal wall, leaving the sac in situ. No death occurred as a result of surgery. Intraoperative small bowel injury occurred in one patient (11.1%) for whom surgery was converted to laparotomy and small bowel resection. No infection was observed. The length of hospital stay varied from 5 to 10 days (median, 5.6 days). During the follow-up period of 8 to 15 months (median, 2 months), there was no recurrence of hernia. Laparoscopic Composix mesh onlay repair is a safe, easy, and effective procedure with minimal discomfort and a low early recurrence rate.