Retrospective failure analysis in laparoscopic hernia repair possible because of routine videodocumentation

Abstract

Background: Studies performed to date show that laparoscopic hernia repair is superior to conventional procedures with regard to postoperative pain, complications, and duration of inability to work.

Methods: From August 1, 1992, to February 16, 1995, we performed 245 laparoscopic hernia procedures on 224 patients utilizing a transabdominal preperitoneal polypropylene mesh-plasty (TAPP).

Results: We observed in the first 100 patients a total of 21 postoperative complications in 20 patients (21%). We observed 3 hernia occurrences (3%) in this group. Due to careful video documentation of all procedures, retrospective analysis of operative failure was possible. Working on the complications occurring resulted in a modification of the procedure, leading to a standardization of the operative technique and to a rigorous reduction in the number of complications and recurrences.

Conclusions: Video-assisted retrospective failure analysis is consequently an effective method to use to optimize the results of minimal invasive hernia repair.