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

Abstract

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.