Background: Symptomatic ventral herniation is a common clinical presentation. The treatment, whether elective or as an emergency, can be difficult and a variety of surgical repairs are utilised. Intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) involves the placement of a reinforcing prosthesis, usually supported by primary closure of the defect. Intra-abdominal adhesions have been highlighted as a potential complication in utilising this form of mesh placement. Several methods of laparoscopic mesh placement outside of the peritoneal cavity are gaining prominence as potential alternatives to IPOM.
Aims: This study reviews our experience with IPOM in the repair of ventral hernia by a single surgical team.
Methods: A prospectively maintained electronic database of all laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) performed within the study period was analysed and reported. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to patients to follow long-term outcomes.
Results: One hundred eight patients underwent LVHR over a 7-year period. Demographics demonstrated an obese patient group (BMI 30.89 ± 4.9 kg/m2), with a variety of hernia sizes and morphologies. Hernia recurrence was found in two patients (1.8%). Twenty-nine (26.8%) patients suffered a complication, but only eight (7.4%) of those required intervention beyond pharmacotherapy. Two patients required mesh explantation.
Conclusions: IPOM for the general surgeon is a relatively safe and effective method of repairing ventral hernias, with a low recurrence rate.
Keywords: Intraperitoneal onlay mesh; Laparoscopy; Recurrence; Ventral hernia.