Laparoscopic repair of incisional abdominal hernias using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene: preliminary findings.

Laparoscopic techniques were used in five cases to repair incisional abdominal hernias ranging in size from 1.5 to 6 cm2. Four to five trocars were used in each case, one in the upper midline and three or four placed laterally. All repairs were made using 1-mm-thick expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patches inserted intraperitoneally and stapled to the anterior abdominal wall over the defects, making use of intra-abdominal pressure to secure the repair. The surgical technique is an extension of our current laparoscopic techniques for repairing inguinal hernias and potentially offers a significant decrease in morbidity.