Hepatic resection: a safe and effective surgery. / Resección hepática mayor: una cirugía segura y eficaz.

INTRODUCTION: We analyze major liver resections performed in 10 years, with the objective of evaluating perioperative results. As secondary objectives, factors related to major complications and comparative analyses of 25-year periods are evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing major hepatic resection (3 or more segments) from January 2005 to December 2014, from pre, intra and postoperative data. The Clavien classification is used for postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 416 major hepatectomies were performed. Transfusions were performed in 38 patients (9.1%). A Pringle maneuver was used in 47.7% of the cases. Half of the patients had no complications, and only 96 patients (23%) had a major complication. Bile leakage was the most frequent complication (n=72, 17.3% of patients), especially due to malignant disease and biliary reconstruction, high risk ASA (III-IV) and prolonged surgical time. Thirteen patients met criteria for liver failure, of which 7died (5 associated a bacterial infection). The mean hospital stay was 12.5 days, with an 11,8% readmission rate. When comparing 25-year periods, at present more complex patients are operated on, with a lower incidence of transfusions and complications (ns). CONCLUSIONS: Liver surgery has increased significantly in recent years. Surgical management of the liver now allows safe and effective surgery, with a very low complication rate. The limit of resectability depends on the residual hepatic volume.

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy: a surgical alternative to reduce complications in complex cases. / Colecistectomía laparoscópica subtotal como alternativa quirúrgica segura en casos complejos.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common procedure in general surgery, and in complex cases it is important for the surgeon to know all the alternatives with low associated morbidity. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy should be considered as an option when a critical view of safety cannot be obtained, because it has a low complication rate and gives the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. METHODS: Retrospective study of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomies in an eight years period. RESULTS: A total of 1,059 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed; 22 were subtotal cholecystectomies, without conversion. Biliary fistula (9%) and intraabdominal collections (4.5%) were the most common complications described. No iatrogenic bile duct injuries or deaths were reported. Our follow-up period was 32months, no recurrences were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure. It should be considered as an option in complex cases.

Laparoscopic surgical treatment of ileocecal Crohn's disease: Impact of obesity on short term results. / Cirugía laparoscópica en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn del área ileocecal: impacto de la obesidad en los resultados postoperatorios inmediatos.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to analyse the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for a no medical responding ileocolic Cohn's disease in a single centre according to the presence of obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed including all consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for ileocecal Crohn's disease from November 2006 to November 2015. Patients were divided according to body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 in order to study influence of obesity in the short-term outcomes. The following variables were studied: characteristics of patients, surgical technique and postoperative results (complications, reintervention, readmission and mortality) during first 30 postoperative days. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included (42 males) with a mean age of 39.7±15.2 years (range 18-83). The overall complication rate was 20% and only 3 patients had an anastomotic leak. Seven patients needed reoperation in the first 30 days postop (7%). The median postoperative length of hospitalization was 5.0 days. Operative time was significantly longer in patients with obesity (130 vs. 165minutes, P=.007) but there were no significant differences among the postoperative results in patients with and without obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that laparoscopic approach for ileocecal Cohn's disease is a safety and feasible technique in patients with obesity. In this last group of patients we only have to expect a longer operative time.

Barbed sutures in general and digestive surgery. Review.

The appearance of new barbed sutures is an advance in making knots and anastomosis, mainly in laparoscopic surgery, where the majority of the surgeons find themselves limited dealing with these sutures. Through this review we aim to evaluate both the use and the safety of the sutures in General and Laparoscopic Surgery. Barbed sutures seem to ease the procedures improving key aspects such as reproducibility and operative time.

[The first experiences with colorectal laparoscopic surgery in Spain. Valencia, November 1991]. / Las primeras experiencias en cirugía laparoscópica de colon en España. Valencia, noviembre de 1991.

The development of laparoscopic colon surgery in Spain has spread quickly since its beginnings at the end of 1991. Colorectal Minimally Invasive Surgery is widely implemented and has changed the way we treat our patients, specially due to the short-term advantages such as lower morbidity with a better quality of life with the same oncological outcomes in the long term. A huge number of Spanish surgeons have contributed to the implementation of techniques and spreading the knowledge of these concepts by means of courses, controlled randomized studies, scientific papers, and books, and have obtained international recognition.

Single-port Colectomy VS Multi-port Laparoscopic Colectomy. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of More Than 2800 Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Multiport laparoscopic surgery in colon pathology has been demonstrated as a safe and effective technique. Interest in reducing aggressiveness has led to other procedures being described, such as SILS. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate feasibility and security of SILS technique in colonic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A meta-analysis of twenty 7 observational studies and one prospective randomized trial has been conducted by the use of random-effects models. RESULTS: A total amount of 2870 procedures was analyzed: 1119 SILS and 1751 MLC. We did not find statistically significant differences between SILS and MLC in age (WMD 0.28 [-1.13, 1.68]; P=.70), BMI (WMD -0.63 [-1.34, 0.08]; P=.08), ASA score (WMD -0.02 [-0.08, 0.04]; P=.51), length of incision (WMD -1.90 [-3.95, 0.14]; P=.07), operating time (WMD -2.69 (-18.33, 12.95]; P=.74), complications (OR=0.89 [0.69, 1.15]; P=.37), conversion to laparotomy (OR=0.59 [0.33, 1.04]; P=.07), mortality (OR=0.91 [0.36, 2.34]; P=.85) or number of lymph nodes harvested (WMD 0.13 [-2.52, 2.78]; P=.92). The blood loss was significantly lower in the SILS group (WMD -42.68 [-76.79, -8.57]; P=.01) and the length of hospital stay was also significantly lower in the SILS group (WMD -0.73 [-1.18, -0.28]; P=.001). CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic colectomy is a safe and effective technique with additional subtle benefits compared to multiport laparoscopic colectomy. However, further prospective randomized studies are needed before single-port colectomy can be considered an alternative to multiport laparoscopic surgery of the colon.

Laparoscopic transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after biliopancreatic diversion.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may be difficult in patients that have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Due to the fact that prevalence of morbid obesity is increasing, and laparoscopic procedures for its treatment have increased, the incidence of biliary tract problems in patients of altered anatomy is also growing. We describe a laparoscopic technique to access the biliary tree by endoscope, through the excluded stomach.

[Surgery for gastrinoma: Short and long-term results]. / Cirugía del gastrinoma: Resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (Z-E) is characterized by gastrin-secreting tumors, responsible for causing refractory and recurrent peptic ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. The optimal approach and the extension of tumor resection remains the subject of debate. METHODS: During the period February 2005 and February 2014, 6 patients with Z-E underwent surgery, 4 men and 2 women with a median age 46.8 years (22-61). Two patients were affected with multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN-1). Fasting gastrin levels greater than 200pg/ml (NV: <100) was diagnostic. Radiologic imaging to localize the lesion included octreoscan 6/6, computer tomography (CT) 6/6, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) 1/6. RESULTS: The octreoscan was positive in 5 patients. The CT localized the tumor in the pancreas in 2 patients, in the duodenum in 3 patients (1 confirmed by EUS) and between the common bile duct and vena cava in one patient. The laparoscopic approach was used in 4 patients, 2 patients converted to open surgery. The following surgical techniques were performed: 2 pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy (PPPD), one spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, one duodenal nodular resection, 1 segmental duodenectomy and one extrapancreatic nodular resection. Pathological studies showed lymph nodes metástasis in 2 patients with pancreatic gastrinomas, and in one patient with duodenal gastrinoma. The median follow-up was 76,83 months (5-108) and all patients presented normal fasting gastrin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery may offer a cure in patients with Z-E. The laparoscopic approach remains limited to selected cases.

Belet infiltráló endometriosis ellátásának sebészi szempontjai 120 eset kapcsán.

INTRODUCTION: The number of patients operated on with endometriosis increases, the urological organ and the bowels are involved in 10-40% of the cases in addition to the gynaecological organs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sigmoideoscopy detected bowel endometriosis in 224 patients from 383 patients with endometriosis, and 127 patients were operated on from 14.07.2009 to 13.01.2014 at the 1st Gynaecological Department of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. All the operation was made by the same gynaecologist and surgeon team. RESULTS: Segment resection of the bowel was performed in 120 patients, local resection in two patients and shaving in another two cases. The involved part of the bowels were the rectum at 46 patients, rectosigmoid in 68, sigmoid bowel in 30, coecum in 4, appendix in 2 and the small intestine in 2 patients. Bladder resection was carried out in 9 patients, ureter resection in two patients and ureterolysis in 26 cases were done due to infiltration of the urological organs. The laparoscopic operation needed to be converted on one single occasion due to bleeding from the epigastric artery, and a laparoscopic suture of the anastomosis was applied for bleeding in another patient. The specimen was extracted transvaginally in 16 patients and transanally in 13 patients. Anastomotic leakage was detected in two patients and rectovaginal fistula in four patients. All reoperations (creation and closing of the stoma) were done laparoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of the bowel endometriosis is suggested with segment resection by multidisciplinary team, where the invasivity can be decreased by transanal specimen extraction.

[Giant paraovarian cyst in childhood - Case report]. / Quiste paraovárico gigante en la infancia. Reporte de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Paraovarian cysts are very uncommon in children OBJECTIVE: To present a case of giant paraovarian cyst case in a child and its management using a modified laparoscopic-assisted technique CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old patient with a 15 day-history of intermittent abdominal pain, located in the left hemiabdomen and associated with progressive increase in abdominal volume. Diagnostic imaging was inconclusive, describing a giant cystic formation that filled up the abdomen, but without specifying its origin. Laboratory tests and tumor markers were within normal range. Video-assisted transumbilical cystectomy, a modified laparoscopic procedure with diagnostic and therapeutic intent, was performed with a successful outcome. The histological study reported giant paraovarian cyst. Cytology results were negative for tumor cells. The patient remained asymptomatic during the postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The video-assisted transumbilical cystectomy is a safe procedure and an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic alternative for the treatment of giant paraovarian cysts.

Patient satisfaction and quality of life following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Today, antireflux surgery has an established position in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some case series have shown good short-term results, but there is still little information regarding long-term results. Studies have recently focused on evaluating residual symptomatology and its impact on quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To determine the postoperative quality of life and degree of satisfaction in patients that underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients (59 women and 41 men) were studied after having undergone laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The variables analyzed were level of satisfaction, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), residual symptoms, and the Visick scale. RESULTS: No variation was found in relation to sex; 49 men and 51 women participated in the study. The mean age was 49 years. The degree of satisfaction encountered was: satisfactory in 81 patients, moderate in 3, and bad in 2 patients. More than 90% of the patients would undergo the surgery again or recommend it. The Carlsson score showed improvement at the end of the study (p<0.05). In relation to the GIQLI, a median of 100.61 points±21.624 was obtained. Abdominal bloating, regurgitation, and early satiety were the most frequent residual symptoms. The effect on lifestyle measured by the Visick scale was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The level of satisfaction and quality of life obtained were comparable with reported standards; and the residual symptoms after antireflux surgery were easily controlled.

[Effects of surgical simulation on the implementation of laparoscopic colorectal procedures]. / Efecto de la simulación quirúrgica en la implementación clínica de procedimientos colorrectales laparoscópicos.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced laparoscopic surgery requires supplementary training outside the operating room. Clinical simulation with animal models or cadavers facilitates this learning. OBJECTIVE: We measured the impact on clinical practice of a laparoscopic colorectal resection training program based on surgical simulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and March 2012, 163 surgeons participated in 30 courses that lasted 4 days, of 35 hours (18 h in the operating room, 12h in animal models, and 4h in seminars). In May 2012, participants were asked via an on-line survey about the degree of implementation of the techniques in their day-to-day work. RESULTS: Seventy surgeons (47%) from 60 different hospitals answered the survey. Average time elapsed after the course was 11.5 months (2-60 months). A total of 75% initiated or increased the number of surgeries performed after the training. The increase in practice was>10 cases/month in 19%, and<5 cases/month in 56% of surgeons. 38% of participants initiated this surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy five percent of the surveyed surgeons increased the clinical implementation of a complicated surgical technique, such as laparoscopic colorectal surgery, after attending a training course based on clinical simulation.

The learning curve of laparoscopic treatment of rectal cancer does not increase morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of rectal cancer via laparoscopy is controversial due to its technical complexity. Several randomized prospective studies have demonstrated clear advantages for the patient with similar oncological results to those of open surgery, although during the learning of this surgical technique there may be an increase in complications and a worse prognosis. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to analyze how the learning curve for rectal cancer via laparoscopy influences intra- and postoperative results and oncological markers. A retrospective review was conducted of the first 120 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal neoplasia. The operations were performed by the same surgical team with a wide experience in the treatment of open colorectal cancer and qualified to perform advanced laparoscopic surgery. We analyzed sex, ASA, tumour location, neoadjuvant treatment, surgical technique, operating time, conversion, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, number of lymph nodes, stage and involvement of margins. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed with regard to surgical time (224 min in the first group, 204 min in the second group), with a higher rate of conversion in the first group (22.5%) than in the second (11.3%). No significant differences were noted for rate of conservative sphincter surgery, length of hospital stay, post-surgical complications, number of affected/isolated lymph nodes or affected circumferential and distal margins. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to learn this complex surgical technique without compromising the patient's safety and oncological outcome.

[Laparoscopic approach of achalasia. Long-term clinical and functional results and quality of life]. / Abordaje laparoscópico de la acalasia. Resultados clínicos, de calidad de vida y funcionales a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has become the gold standard procedure for patients with achalasia. This study evaluates the clinical status, quality of life, and functional outcomes after laparoscopic Heller myotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy with an associated anti-reflux procedure from October 1998 to December 2010. Before surgery, we administered a clinical questionnaire and as of 2002, we also evaluated quality of life using a specific questionnaire (GIQLI). In 2011, we performed a follow up for all available patients. We administered the same clinical questionnaire and quality of life test as before surgery and performed manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring. According to the length of follow up, patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 with a follow-up between 6 and 47 months; group 2 follow-up between 48 and 119 months, and group 3 with a follow-up of more than 120 months). Moreover, 27 patients had already been evaluated with this same protocol in 2003. Pre- and postoperative data were compared for the 3 groups and for patients who completed follow up in 2003 and 2011. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Seventy-six (80%) were available for follow-up. Mean follow-up was 56 months (range 6-143). Global improvement in dysphagia was 89%. Total DeMeester score decreased in the 3 groups. GIQLI scores improved after surgery, reaching normal values. Manometric determinations showed normal LES pressures after myotomy in the 3 groups. Ten percent of overall 24-hour pH monitoring was abnormal. The group of patients followed up in 2003 and in 2011 showed no impairment in the variables studied in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow up of the laparoscopic approach to achalasia showed good results concerning clinical status and quality of life, with normal sphincteric pressures and a low incidence of gastroesophageal reflux.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Lessons learned after 200 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a reliable, reproducible and cost-effective treatment for common bile duct stones. Several techniques have been described for choledochotomy closure. AIMS: To present our experience and the lessons learned in more than 200 cases of LCBDE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and July 2012, 206 patients with common bile duct stones underwent LCBDE. At the beginning of the series, we performed the closure of the CBD over a T-tube (36 patients), subsequently we favoured closure over an antegrade stent (133 patients) but due to a high incidence of acute pancreatitis in the last 16 patients we have performed primary closure. RESULTS: The 3 closure groups were matched for age and sex. Jaundice was the most frequent presentation. A total of 185 (88,5%) patients underwent choledochotomy whereas in 17 (8,7%) patients the transcystic route was used. The group that underwent choledochotomy had a larger size of stones compared to the transcystic group (9,7 vs 7,6mm). In the stented group we found an 11,6% incidence of pancreatitis and 26,1% of hyperamylasemia. In the primary closure group we found a clear improvement of complications and hospital stay. The increased experience of the surgeon and age (younger than 75) had a positive impact on mortality and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Primary closure of the common bile duct after LCBDE seems to be superior to closure over a T tube and stents. The learning curve seems to have a positive impact on the outcomes making it a safe and reproducible technique especially for patients aged under 75.

Usefulness of an optical tracking system in laparoscopic surgery for motor skills assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to assess the usefulness of an evaluation system of surgical skills based on motion analysis of laparoscopic instruments. METHOD: This system consists of a physical laparoscopic simulator and a tracking and assessment system of technical skills in laparoscopy. Six surgeons with intermediate experience (between 1 and 50 laparoscopic surgeries) and 5 experienced surgeons (more than 50 laparoscopic surgeries) took part in this study. All participants were right-handed. The subjects performed 3 repetitions of a cutting task on synthetic tissue with the right hand, dissection of a gastric serous layer, and a suturing task in the dissection previously done. Objective metrics such as time, path length, speed of movements, acceleration and motion smoothness were analyzed for the instruments of each hand. RESULTS: In the cutting task, experienced surgeons show less acceleration (P=.014) and a smoother motion (P=.023) using the scissors. Regarding the dissection activity, experienced surgeons need less time (P=.006) and less length with both instruments (P=.006 for dissector and P=.01 for scissors). In the suturing task, experienced surgeons require less time (P=.037) and distance travelled (P=.041) by the dissector. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the usefulness of the evaluation system for the cutting, dissecting, and suturing tasks. It represents a significant step in the development of advanced systems for training and assessment of surgical skills in laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal resection through the transanal route.

One of the most controversial areas in laparoscopic approach is rectal cancer, not only because of the surgical technique but of the best approach to do it. The transanal approach arises like a new alternative for rectal cancer and other rectal pathologies due to solve some of the problems that we can find in conventional laparoscopic approach, mainly in low rectal cancer for the section of the rectum and distal margin. The first case of rectal cancer surgery by transanal approach was published in 2009. Since now, just a few series with a limited number of patients has been done with this technique. Among the different series there are differences, especially with the surgical technique (mainly with the transanal platform). Nowadays, the morbidity and postoperative outcomes have are comparable with the conventional approach. The oncological outcomes have no shown any differences, even long term results are not known at the moment (longer follow-up of 21 months). The results published in transanal approach surgery demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the procedure with an advantage in hostile pelvis (obese, narrow pelvis and males). Randomized studies are needed for long-term functional and oncological outcomes.

Prospective, randomized comparative study between single-port laparoscopic appendectomy and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic appendectomy is probably the technique of choice in acute appendicitis. Single port laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has been proposed as an alternative technique. The objective of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of SILS against conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2011 to September 2012, 120 patients with acute appendicitis were prospectively randomized; 60 for SILS and 60 for LA. Patients between 15 to 65 years were selected, with onset of symptoms less than 48h. We compared BMI, surgery time, start of oral intake, hospital stay, postoperative pain, pathology and costs. RESULTS: The median age, BMI, sex and time of onset of symptoms to diagnosis were similar. There were no statistically significant differences in the operative time, start of oral intake or hospital stay. There was a significant difference in postoperative pain being higher in SILS (4±1.3) than in LA (3.3±0.5) with a P=.004. Flemonous appendicitis predominated in both groups in a similar percentage. A total of 3 cases with intra-abdominal abscess (SILS 2, LA 1) required readmission and resolved spontaneously with intravenous antibiotic treatment. One case of SILS required assistance by a 5mm trocar in the RLC for drainage placement. The cost was higher in SILS due the single port device. CONCLUSION: SILS appendectomy is safe, effective and has similar results to LA in selected patients, and although the cost is greater, the long term results will determine the future of this technique.

Results of a laparoscopic approach for the treatment of acute small bowel obstruction due to adhesions and internal hernias.

INTRODUCTION: Laparotomy is the standard approach for the surgical treatment of acute small bowel obstruction (ASBO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2007 to May 2012 we prospectively recorded all patients operated by laparoscopy in our hospital because of ASBO due to adhesions (27 cases) and/or internal hernia (6 cases). A preoperative abdominal CT was performed in all cases. Patients suffering from peritonitis and/or sepsis were excluded from the laparoscopic approach. It was decided to convert to laparotomy if intestinal resection was required. RESULTS: The mean age of the 33 patients who underwent surgery was 61.1 ± 17.6 years. 64% had previous history of abdominal surgery. 72% of the cases were operated by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy. Conversion rate was 21%. Operative time and postoperative length of stay were 83 ± 44 min. and 7.8 ± 11.2 days, respectively. Operative time (72 ± 30 vs 123 ± 63 min.), tolerance to oral intake (1.8 ± 0.9 vs 5.7 ± 3.3 days) and length of postoperative stay (4.7 ± 2.5 vs 19.4 ± 21 days) were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group compared with the conversion group, although converted patients had greater clinical severity (2 bowel resections). There were two severe complications (Clavien-Dindo III and V) in the conversion group. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases of ASBO caused by adhesions and internal hernias and when performed by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy, a laparoscopic approach has a high probability of success (low conversion rate, short hospital length of stay and low morbidity); its use would be fully justified in these cases.

Cost-benefit analysis comparing laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery is a successful treatment option offering significant advantages to patients compared with open ventral hernia repair. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to compare the clinical results and economic costs of the open and laparoscopic techniques for anterior abdominal wall hernia repair, in order to determine the more efficient procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 140 patients with primary and incisional hernia, and analyzed clinical data, morbidity, costs of surgery and hospital stay costs. RESULTS: The cost of disposable surgical supplies was higher with laparoscopic repair but reduced the average length of stay (P<.001) and patient morbidity (P<.001). The total cost of the laparoscopic procedure was, therefore, less than initially estimated, yielding a savings of 1,260€ per patient (2,865€ vs. 4,125€). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is associated with a reduced complication rate, a lower average length of stay and with lower total costs. Laparoscopic repair can save 1.260€ for each patient, and so this procedure should be considered a cost-effective approach.