Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: long term results.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective monocenter study was to evaluate the long-term results of laparoscopic treatment of incisional hernias using intra-peritoneal prosthetic mesh.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients underwent laparoscopic treatment of incisional hernia between January 2002 and January 2008. All patients were followed for at least five years after surgery. The parameters assessed were hernia recurrences and post-operative pain. In case of doubt as to the diagnosis of recurrence or pain, a CT examination was performed.

RESULTS: Nine patients were excluded: four patients refused to participate in the study and five died of unrelated disease during follow-up. Sixty-eight patients (89.7%) were followed for a mean of 92.3 (± 19.8)months. Mean age of patients was 58 (± 11.3)years. There were no deaths and no conversions. The mean operative time was 104 (± 48)minutes. The morbidity rate was 13.2%. Major complications included one case each of mesh infection, post-operative peritonitis (bowel injury), and surgical site pain requiring revisional surgery. Five patients developed seroma. The mean duration of hospitalization was 4.5 (± 2.3) days. The long-term recurrence rate was 8.8%. The average interval to onset of recurrence was 45.8 (± 31.1)months. Trocar site hernias were observed in three patients. Four patients had post-operative pain requiring long-term medical treatment.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair using intra-peritoneal prosthetic mesh is a safe technique with satisfactory long-term outcome. One major complication occurred: bowel injury. Suture closure of 10mm trocar sites should be routine.