E Iversen1, A Lykke, M Hensler, L N Jorgensen. 1. Department of Surgery K, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark.
Abstract
PURPOSE: No consensus has yet been reached regarding the optimal mesh for the repair of small ventral hernias. A composite polytetrafluoroethylene/polypropylene mesh (Ventralex(®)) is designed for this purpose, and this paper reports its use in a larger series of patients. METHODS: Open repair for a small ventral hernia was undertaken in 152 patients between April 2006 and June 2008. Data from medical files were gathered, and follow-up questionnaires were retrieved. Patients were asked about pain, intake of analgesics and various physical capabilities. Patients with postoperative complaints were offered a follow-up visit. Ultrasonography was performed if recurrence was suspected. RESULTS: Median surgery time was 39 min (range 16-129 min). Junior surgeons performed 63% of the operations. Questionnaires were returned by 81.6% with a mean follow-up of 15.6 months. Eighteen patients (11.8%) had complications. Pain score was significantly lower and the physical capabilities of the patients were significantly enhanced after the operation. Recurrent hernia was reported in four patients (2.6%). Five patients (3.3%) had the mesh removed due to deep infection, chronic pain or early recurrence. The training level of the surgeon had no influence on the incidence of complications. A 93.8% majority of the patients would recommend this specific procedure to others. CONCLUSIONS: The intraperitoneal placement of this composite mesh is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction as well as low rates of both recurrence and infection.
PURPOSE: No consensus has yet been reached regarding the optimal mesh for the repair of small ventral hernias. A composite polytetrafluoroethylene/polypropylene mesh (Ventralex(®)) is designed for this purpose, and this paper reports its use in a larger series of patients. METHODS: Open repair for a small ventral hernia was undertaken in 152 patients between April 2006 and June 2008. Data from medical files were gathered, and follow-up questionnaires were retrieved. Patients were asked about pain, intake of analgesics and various physical capabilities. Patients with postoperative complaints were offered a follow-up visit. Ultrasonography was performed if recurrence was suspected. RESULTS: Median surgery time was 39 min (range 16-129 min). Junior surgeons performed 63% of the operations. Questionnaires were returned by 81.6% with a mean follow-up of 15.6 months. Eighteen patients (11.8%) had complications. Pain score was significantly lower and the physical capabilities of the patients were significantly enhanced after the operation. Recurrent hernia was reported in four patients (2.6%). Five patients (3.3%) had the mesh removed due to deep infection, chronic pain or early recurrence. The training level of the surgeon had no influence on the incidence of complications. A 93.8% majority of the patients would recommend this specific procedure to others. CONCLUSIONS: The intraperitoneal placement of this composite mesh is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction as well as low rates of both recurrence and infection.
Authors: Jacobus W A Burger; Roland W Luijendijk; Wim C J Hop; Jens A Halm; Emiel G G Verdaasdonk; Johannes Jeekel Journal: Ann Surg Date: 2004-10 Impact factor: 12.969