A novel reconstruction method for giant incisional hernia: Hybrid laparoscopic technic

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic reconstruction of ventral hernia is a popular technic today. Patients with large defects have various diffi culties of laparoscopic approach. In this study, we aimed to present a new reconstruction technic that combines laparoscopic and open approach in giant incisional hernias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2006 and August 2012, 28 patients who were operated consequently for incisional hernia with defect size over 10 cm were included in this study and separated into two groups. Group 1 (n = 12) identifi es patients operated with standard laparoscopic approach, whereas Group 2 (n = 16) labels laparoscopic technic combined with open approach. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), mean operation time, length of hospital stay, surgical site infection (SSI) and recurrence rate. RESULTS: There were 12 patients in Group 1 and 16 patients in Group 2. Mean length of hospital stay and SSI rates are similar in both groups. Postoperative seroma formation was observed in 6 patients for Group 1 and in only 1 patient for Group 2. Group 1 had 1 patient who suffered from recurrence where as Group 2 had no recurrence. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic technic combined with open approach may safely be used as an alternative method for reconstruction of giant incisional hernias.