Publication:

A prospective study comparing laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair

Background Ventral hernias (VH) occur as a result of weakness in the musculo-fascial layer of the anterior abdominal wall. The most popular classification is congenital, acquired, incisional and traumatic .A successful series of laparoscopic repair for VH was done by LeBlanc in 1993.Operative costs may be optimized with selection of the mesh and optimal use of trans-abdominal suture and fixation devices. This original article reveals recent advances and progression in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair technique even in patients with incisional and umbilical hernia.

Methods A prospective study conducted in PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research for the period 2011-2012 comparing open versus laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs. A total of 20 laparoscopic and 20 open ventral hernia cases were compared.

Results A total of 40 cases were studied of which 20 were open and 20 were laparoscopic repairs.

Conclusions Laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia is showing promising results and is being widely practiced nowadays. Postoperative pain is less, hospital stay is shorter and there is a lower short term complication when compared to open repairs. There is lesser incidence of wound infection; movement of bowel is sooner, shorter hospital stay and faster resumption of routine activities.