Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair: Pros and Cons Compared With Open Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to analyse the surgical techniques, perioperative complications, and recurrence rate of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR), in comparison with the open ventral hernia repair (OVHR), based on the international literature. METHODS A Medline search of the English literature was performed using the term "laparoscopic ventral hernia repair." Further articles were found by cross-referencing the references of each main article. RESULTS Current literature on the topic suggests that LVHR is a safe alternative to the open method with the main advantages being minimal postoperative pain, a shorter convalescence period, and better cosmetic results. Main complications after the laparoscopic approach, such as incidental enterotomy, protracted pain, postoperative seroma, or mesh infection occur at an acceptable rate. Furthermore, most articles favor LVHR versus OVHR in terms of recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS Although further randomized studies are needed to draw safe conclusions in terms of complications and recurrence, LVHR is fast becoming the standard approach in the repair of abdominal wall hernias.