The use of T-bars in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

During the past 2 years 15 laparoscopic ventral hernias have been performed at our Community Hospital. Marlex mesh has been the material used. We have noticed some difficulty with the grasping and initial anchoring of the mesh. Percutaneously placed prolene sutures allow the mesh to be drawn upward with some effort. By using laparoscopic T-bars for the initial anchoring of the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall then stapling, the operative time was greatly reduced. This modification in technique allows for quicker placement of the mesh during the repair.