Ventral hernia repair with a hybrid laparoscopic technique

Area of Science:

• General Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Background:

• Ventral hernias are commonly treated with laparoscopic surgery, while large hernias often require open repair.
• Laparoscopic and open techniques are typically considered mutually exclusive for hernia repair.
• This study introduces a hybrid technique for managing medium to large ventral hernias.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel hybrid laparoscopic-open technique for ventral hernia repair.
• To present surgical methodology and patient outcomes for this combined approach.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection from 44 ventral hernias repaired between 2012 and 2020.
• Hybrid technique involving laparoscopic port placement, open mesh insertion, transfascial suture closure, and laparoscopic mesh fixation.
• Follow-up included clinical review and phone assessment.

Main Results:

• The hybrid technique was used for 44 ventral hernias, predominantly incisional (43/44), with an average diameter of 6.6 cm.
• High discharge rate within 48 hours (86%) and low recurrence rate (9%).
• Minor complications included wound infection (7%), seroma (7%), and wound hematoma (5%).

Conclusions:

• The laparoscopic hybrid ventral hernia repair is a safe and effective alternative.
• This combined approach offers a viable option for medium-sized ventral hernias.
• The technique demonstrates favorable short-term outcomes and manageable complication rates.