Bulging of the mesh after laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence, diagnosis, clinical significance, and treatment strategies for bulging in the area of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia that is caused by mesh protrusion through the hernia opening, but with intact peripheral fixation of the mesh and actually a still sufficient repair.

METHODS: Medical records of all 765 patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair were reviewed, and all patients with a swelling in the repaired area were identified and analyzed.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were identified. They all underwent a computed tomography assessment. Seventeen patients (2.2% of the total group) had a hernia recurrence; in an additional 12 patients (1.6%), radiologic examinations indicated only bulging of the mesh but no recurrence. Bulging was associated with pain in 4 patients who underwent relaparoscopy and got a new, larger mesh tightly stretched over the entire previous repair. Eight asymptomatic patients decided on "watchful waiting." All patients remained symptom free during a median follow-up of 22 months.

CONCLUSION: Symptomatic bulging, though not a recurrence, requires a new repair and must be considered as an important negative outcome of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. In asymptomatic patients, "watchful waiting" seems justified.