Laparoscopic mesh repair of incisional hernia: an alternative to the conventional open repair?

BACKGROUND: Tension-free incisional hernia repair using alloplastic material increasingly replaces conventional repair techniques. This change resulted in a decreased recurrence rate (50% vs. 10%, respectively). Recently, laparoscopic approaches for the intraperitoneal tension-free mesh application have been introduced. The decreased trauma at the incision site and the reduction in wound infections appear to be the main advantages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the early and long-term complications as well as patients' contentment. METHODS: Laparoscopic hernia repair with intraperitoneal polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) mesh implantation was performed on 62 patients at the Klinikum Grosshadern between 2000 and 2005 (29 males, 33 females age 60.7). Intra- and postoperative complications were registered prospectively and retrospectively analyzed. In addition, 57 patients were evaluated for recurrence, postoperative pain and patient contentment (median follow-up 409 days). RESULTS: A low complication rate was observed in our patient collective. One trocar bleeding occurred. Three patients presented with wound hematoma. The recurrence rate was 8% (2/25). Sixty-two percent of the patients were free of complaints postoperatively. Eighty-five percent would once again choose the laparoscopic approach for incisional hernia repair. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic technique was associated with a low recurrence rate, a small rate of wound infections and high patient comfort. Thus, the laparoscopic approach for mesh implantation appears to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of incisional hernias. The efficiency for laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh implantation, however, should be further evaluated within a prospectively randomized multicenter trial.