Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The surgical approach for treating ventral hernia is still under debate, as well as the optimal devices to be used for such treatment. For small size defects, the tendency is to use the open approach, due to the lower cost/efficiency ratio. However, for medium-size defects, even though costlier, laparoscopy provides better results. The present study analyzes the results of a simple and effective laparoscopic technique for mesh repairing of small and medium size ventral defects using Ventralex® ST patch. METHOD: Between January 1, 2015 and January 31, 2020, 93 patients with ventral primary nonobstructive abdominal wall defects (up to 3 cm) treated laparoscopically using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair technique with Ventralex® patch (22 patients) and Ventralex® ST patch (71 patients). Results were prospectively analyzed based on postoperative complications, postoperative pain, recurrent hernia, and quality of life. RESULTS: The technique was used in 60 patients with umbilical hernia (64.5%), 18 patients with juxta-umbilical hernia (19.3%), and 15 patients with epigastric hernia (16.1%). Out of these, 22 patients had nonreducible (nonobstructive) hernia. The median operating time was 55 minutes (range 40-80 min). Minor complications were recorded in 15 cases (16.1%). The mean hospitalization time was 1.24 days (range 1-2). After a median follow-up of 39 months (range 20-81), the recurrence rate was 11.1% and nil (p = 0.010), and other complaints were recorded in 11.1% and 3.3% of patients (p = 0.293), for Ventralex® patch and Ventralex® ST patch, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the use of Ventralex® ST patch for laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair of small and medium size ventral hernia is simpler and more cost-effective than standard laparoscopic patches, with superior results when compared to Ventralex® patch.