Comparison of open and laparoscopic mesh repair of huge incisional hernia

Objective:To analyze and compare the effect of open and laparoscopic mesh repair of huge incisional hernia.Methods:The clinical data of 43 cases with huge incisional hernia which underwent open and laparoscopic mesh repair from Jan.2003 to Jun.2007 was retrospectively aralyzed.The patients were divided into two groups:laparoscopy group(16 cases)and open(27 cases) group.The including operation time,complications and postoperative hospitalization were compared between the two groups.Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in operative time and postoperative complications.But the postoperative hospitalization of open procedure group was longer than that of laparoscopic group(P0.01).The amount of bleeding during operation in open procedure was more than that in laparoscopic procedure.There was no recurrence in two groups during a follow-up of 4-48m(mean 21m).Conclusions:Open and laparoscopic mesh repair procedure are both safe and valid methods in the treatment of huge incisional hernia.Laparoscopic mesh repair has the advantages of minimal invasive,quick recovery and short postoperotive hosptalization.