Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: Techniques and complications
Laparoscopy has revolutionized the field of surgery allowing for faster recovery times and smaller incisions. Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair has become wellaccepted due to a low probability of conversion to an open procedure, shorter hospital stays, acceptable complication rates, and low recurrence rates. In this chapter, the technical aspects of the laparoscopic repair are discussed. The laparoscopic approach is based on the Rives-Stoppa retromuscular, sublay repair. This requires adequate mesh fixation and wide overlap of the defect. While typically well tolerated, surgeons must be aware of the potential complications. Recognition of these complications and strategies to minimize them are discussed in this review. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair should be in the armamentarium of all hernia surgeons. Long-term follow-up data support the durability of the laparoscopic repair. The procedure is an invaluable tool in difficult patient populations, such as the morbidly obese, smokers, and patients with prior failed attempts at repair.
