[Early results of the initial 100 laparoscopic hernia operations under peridural anesthesia]

From November 1992 to March 1994 we performed 100 transabdominal laparoscopic herniographies in 84 patients. The mean age was 54.6 years. 83% of all hernias were primary, 17% recurrent and 16% bilateral. All hernias were classified according to Nyhus and individually repaired. Except in type 2 hernias, a large polypropylene mesh was inserted (15 x 12 cm) and the peritoneum closed with a running suture. During a mean follow-up time of 14 months no recurrent hernias, infections or bowel adhesions were observed. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.1 days and the mean time off work 16.4 days. Intraoperative complications were found in 11.9%, early postoperative complications in 25% and late postoperative complications in 3.6%.