Intraperitoneal mesh repair of small ventral abdominal wall hernias with a Ventralex hernia patch.

BACKGROUND

Various surgical procedures have been described in the treatment of small ventral abdominal wall hernias. Mesh repair is becoming popular because of a low recurrence rate.

AIM: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate an open intraperitoneal technique using the Bard Ventralex hernia patch in the treatment of small midline ventral hernias.

METHODS

101 patients were operated on (59 male, 42 female) with a mean age of 54.5 years (range 17-85). Mean operative time was 33 min (range 16-65). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-15).

RESULTS

Two patients had a hematoma without wound infection. There were 2 recurrences (2%). Mean postoperative follow-up time was 28.5 months (range 6-55).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results suggest that Ventralex hernia patch repair for ventral hernias can be performed with minimal postoperative morbidity and a low recurrence rate.