Background:
Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair (LIVHR) is a safe and
worldwide accepted procedure performed using absorbable tacks. The aim of the study was to evaluate
recurrence rate in a long term follow-up and whether the results of laparoscopic IVH repair in the
elderly (≥65 years old) are different with respect to results obtained in younger patients.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (74 women and 55 men, median age 67
years, range = 30-87 years) with ventral (N = 42, 32.5%) or post incisional (N = 87, 67.5%) hernia
were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age: group A (N
= 55, 42.6%) aged <65 years and group B (N = 74, 57.4%) aged ≥65 years.
Results:
The mean operative time was not significantly different between groups (66.7 ± 37 vs. 74 ±
48.4 min, p = 0.4). To the end of 2016, seven recurrences had occurred (group A = 3, group B = 4, p
= 1). Complications occurred in 8 (16%) patients in group A and 21 (28.3%) patients in group B.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our results confirm that the use of absorbable tacks does not increase recurrence
frequency and laparoscopic incisional and ventral repair is a safety procedure also in elderly
patients.
Long-term follow-up results of umbilical hernia repair