Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using Proceed® mesh – three-year follow-up of the initial group of patients

Introduction: Laparoscopic procedures in ventral hernia surgery are becoming popular due to better results and fast postoperative recovery. Synthetic implants used for this method differ as to their construction and methods of implantation. Proceed® mesh seems to be superior to other materials due to lower risk of seroma formation and infection. Materials and methods: In the year 2005, 17 patients were operated laparoscopically due to ventral hernia using Proceed® mesh. During the 36 months of follow-up the following data were noted: time of operation, time of hospital stay; number of complications, presence of postoperative pain (VAS). Results: Time of operation was 0.6-2 h. and decreased with the learning curve. Time of hospital stay was 1-10 days (median 2.7). No severe complications were noted. Postoperative pain was present in two cases and was localized in the place of transabdominal sutures. During 36 months of the follow-up period 4 recurrences occurred (3 cases of large hernias – hernia orifice larger than 15 cm). Two cases of seroma were noted (in one case fine needle aspiration was needed). Conclusions: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using Proceed® mesh is a valuable alternative to the classically used meshes in the IPOM procedure. The low percentage of seroma formation and infection corresponding with good mechanical values makes this material useful in ventral hernia surgery. Use of the described implant should be limited to hernias smaller than 10 cm and localization of the defect.