Laparoscopic Umbilical Herniorrhaphy

Abstract

Laparoscopic technique is an alternative approach to ventral hernia repair. This study evaluated the feasibility of performing umbilical hernia repair using a single 5-mm trocar technique. During February 1999 to November 1999, we performed laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair in 16 consecutive patients. All operations were performed under general anesthesia. One 5-mm port was used to visualize the defect. A second 5-mm port was inserted only if there was incarcerated omentum requiring reduction. The Endo Close was inserted through a 2-mm incision made directly over the hernia to perform transabdominal closure of the defect using nonabsorbable suture. The mean size of the umbilical hernia defects was 1.2 cm +/- 0.4 (range 1.0-2.0 cm). All operations were completed laparoscopically with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The mean operative time was 35 +/- 15 minutes (range 21-75 min). All cases were performed in an outpatient setting. There have been no recurrences at a mean follow-up of 5.9 months. Laparoscopic umbilical herniorrhaphy is safe and technically feasible. Its potential advantages, such as a lower rate of recurrence, will need to be validated with longer follow-up.