Open reconstruction of sizeable ventral hernias in the laparoscopic era

The purpose of this study was to review our 15 years of experience in the repair of sizeable ventral hernias with a standardized open surgery technique, to evaluate the clinical outcome, and to assess the decreasing role of traditional surgical techniques in the laparoscopic era. A retrospective study has been conducted, including 200 patients operated for ventral hernia defects with a standardized underlay mesh implantation technique between 1990 and 2004. Their mean age was 62.6 (range 21-88) years and their mean BMI (body mass index) was 33.4 (range 22-69). Out of them, 56 per cent presented one to four major risk factors and 31.5 per cent had previously undergone ventral hernia repair surgery. The mean size of hernial defect was 135.2 (range 24-684) cm2. The mean follow-up was 43 (range 3-174) months. The overall major complication rate was 3.8 per cent and overall recurrence rate was 9.6 per cent. Our retrospective study confirms the safety and efficacy of open reconstruction in complex hernias. Prospective randomized homogenous trials with long-term follow-up are needed to provide us a better evidence-based approach. Minimal invasive surgery is favored but open reconstruction should still be considered as an alternative for sizeable ventral hernias management. A careful selection among patients for selecting the optimal technique is necessary.