[Laparoscopic treatment of ventral hernias]

The use of mesh in incisional hernia repair has reduced the rate of hernia recurrence. Laparoscopic placement of mesh is a promising alternative to the classical open approach. Recent studies involving large numbers of patients have shown the laparoscopic approach to be feasible in 95% of cases; the incidence of postoperative complications was low and hernia recurrence occurred in 3-5% at three years. Several retrospective studies and one randomized study comparing open versus laparascopic ventral hernia repair suggest that the laparoscopic repair yields better results (fewer postoperative complications and lower recurrence rate) than the classical open approach.