CT findings after laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia.

OBJECTIVE: We describe CT findings after laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia with emphasis on formation of postoperative fluid collections that can mimic recurrent bowel herniation or infected postoperative fluid collections.

CONCLUSION: The porous property of the mesh used in laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia allows reaccumulation of fluid in the existing hernia sac or spaces in the subcutaneous tissues that can be created by laparoscopic manipulation. These fluid collections should be expected and are differentiated from infected fluid collections or hernia recurrence by clinical presentation, laboratory data, and lack of ancillary features associated with true hernia such as presence of hernia sac, herniated mesentery, or bowel obstruction.