The Influence of Closing the Gap on Postoperative Seroma and Recurrences in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

The Influence of Closing the Gap on Postoperative Seroma and Recurrences in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair.

A multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial comparing closure versus non-closure of the hernia defect between 2 and 5 cm in width using a tissue separating mesh (Physiomesh™) in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent from the patient or his/her legal representative
• Ventral or incisional hernia requiring elective surgical repair
• Diameter between 2 and 5cm in width
• Midline and flank hernias are eligible

Exclusion Criteria:

• No written informed consent
• 'Hostile' abdomen, open abdomen treatment
• Contraindication to pneumoperitoneum
• Emergency surgery (incarcerated hernia)
• Parastomal hernia
• Subxiphoidal hernia
• Subcostal hernia
• Suprapubic hernia
• Clean-contaminated or contaminated field
• Hernia diameter >5cm in width
• Pregnancy
• Non-compliance