Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with new generation bilaminar mesh

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) using new generation bilaminar mesh and to share our experience. Laparoscopic approaches are preferred in the surgical repair of ventral hernia due to low postoperative pain and complication rates, quick recovery, and short time for return to work. They can be performed in primary ventral hernia as well as incisional hernia, which is one of the most frequent complications of surgical procedures. Furthermore, recurrence rate is low, unlike open-conventional hernia repair.
METHODS: Fifteen patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral-incisional hernia repair between 2012 and 2014 were included in the study. A patch, 20x15 cm in size, of Parietex (Covidien-Medtronic, Inc. Minneapolis, MN, USA) polyester mesh, which has absorbable collagen film and preplaced sutures, was used. Mesh was fixed to the abdominal wall with transfascial fixation sutures and tacker. Patients were periodically followed-up for evaluation of hernia recurrence, pain, infection, and other complications.
RESULTS: Fifteen patients (3 male and 12 female) underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Mean operating time was 118.75 minutes (range: 120-250 minutes). Mean length of hospitalization was 2.8 days. One patient had small intestine laceration during surgery. One patient had hernia recurrence, 1 developed seroma, and 1 experienced prolonged pain.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: LVHR is an efficient and reliable method of ventral hernia repair. It is easy to perform in midline small and average-sized defects. It is possible to perform successful operation with low complication rate using new generation bilaminar mesh. In order to avoid prolonged postoperative pain, redundant use of tacker should be avoided. Transfascial fixation sutures will reduce recurrence rate.