Incisional hernia repair: Laparoscopic techniques

Repair of incisional hernias using the laparoscopic technique has continued to evolve since its inception in 1991. An analysis of the current literature has revealed that hernias as large as 1600 cm(2) have been successfully repaired with this method. The average size appears to be about 105 cm(2). Several choices of a biomaterial are available today, differing in the type of synthetic product or products that are used to manufacture them. Others incorporate an absorbable component. The goal of all of them is to prevent adhesion formation. The fixation devices that can be used are also varied. The results of laparoseopic incisional hernia repair are described. The conversion rate of these procedures is an impressive 2.4% with an enterotomy rate of 1.8%. These results affirm the low risk of this operation. The recurrence rate of 4.2% confirms the permanence of the repair. This procedure may become the standard of care in the near future.