Abstract
Aim
Complications of open mesh repair for primary umbilical and midline hernias (PUMH) may lead to significant re-admissions and follow-up costs. Although laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair reduces infection rates, especially in overweight patients, it’s controversial in these hernias, mainly due to potential adhesions’ formation. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal technique (lap-TAPP) may address these issues, as it combines advantages of both open and laparoscopic approaches. The aim of this study is to present the initial results of lap-TAPP for PUMH in regard to its feasibility and complication rates.
Material and Methods
We evaluated 25 consecutive cases of lap-TAPP repair for PUMH. Patients’s characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications after 30-days follow-up were analyzed.
Results
21 male and 4 female patients were included in analysis (mean BMI 29.8 kg/m2). Surgery time was 82 minutes (55-120). We found 20 umbilical and 11 epigastric linea alba hernias. Mesh size was 144cm2 (120-225); mean hernia defect width was 25mm (10-40). In 9 patients (36%) the peritoneal rents were created which were easily closed with sutures. All patients were discharged on 1 POD with no complications. After 30-days we found no recurrences or bulging, no pain complaints. We found one subcutaneous small hematoma with no need for intervention.
Conclusions
Laparoscopic TAPP for small and medium PUMH is a safe and feasible technique with low complication rate. However, this method is technically demanding and time consuming while performed with laparoscopic approach as it requires precise and subtle plane dissection, and non-ergonomic closure hernia defect.