Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia repair was performed with closure of fascia with non-absorbable suture (pIPOM)

Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia was performed without fascia closure (sIPOM)

The pneumoperitoneum (12-15 mmHg) was built up with Veres in the Palmer'point. The primary optical trocar was set in the left upper abdomen, two other trocars were set in the left middle and lower abdomen. If necessary, adhesiolysis was firstly performed. The hernia gap was deperitonealized in order to prevent a seroma formation and, if possible, all hernia sac was removed to facilitate the healing of the hernia defect after the laparoscopic suture. This also included the transection of the ligamentum teres hepatis. We reduced the intraabdominal pressure to approx. 5 mmHg and measured the hernia gap through an intraperitoneal graduated mark. The choice of mesh size was done with an overlap of more than 5 cm. The laparoscopic closure of the hernia defect was performed with non-reabsorbable detached stitches of prolene 1/0 suture at a distance of 1.5 cm from stich to stich using a Reverdin' needle. The final fixation of the mesh took place with a non-resorbable tacks.

Hernia Recurrence (HR) in pIPOM and sIPOM, was clinically and ultrasonographically evaluated at outpatient visit. In details, HR was clinically defined as any visible or palpable ''blowout'' in the abdominal wall. US evaluation was carried out by a radiologist with 15 years of gastrointestinal US experience. A RS85 (Samsung Madison Co Ltd., Seoul, Korea) ultrasound with a convex transducer (CA1-7A) was employed. The ultrasonic criteria of HR were a visible gap within the abdominal wall and/or ''tissue moving through the abdominal wall by Valsalva manoeuvre'' and/or a detectable ''blowout''. Size and location of all ultrasound detected HR were registered, as well as any other patient's complaint. In doubtful cases of HR, computerized tomography (CT) was performed. HR was diagnosed and recorded if clinical criteria and/or ultrasound criteria were fulfilled.

Mesh Bulging (MB) as any clinically evident protrusion through the hernial defect and opens into the hernial sac causing swelling. It was as well clinically and ultrasonographically evaluated at outpatient visit. US evaluation was carried out by a radiologist with 15 years of gastrointestinal US experience. A RS85 (Samsung Madison Co Ltd., Seoul, Korea) ultrasound with a convex transducer (CA1-7A) was employed. In doubtful cases of MB, computerized tomography (CT) was performed. MB was diagnosed and recorded if clinical criteria and/or ultrasound criteria were fulfilled.

The classification of wound events was assigned according to the likelihood and degree of wound contamination at the time of the operation, as stated in the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wound classification (superficial, deep or organ space). Surgical site events were reported according to the Ventral Hernia Working Group definitions. Actions for wound events were categorized as follows: antibiotics only, bedside wound interventions, percutaneous maneuvers or surgical debridement.