Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair associated with fewer infections, recurrences and shorter hospital stays than open repair.
Risks of complications and recurrences about half that of open surgical procedures, 25.5% compared to 41.7%, respectively.
Recurrence rates of laparoscopic repair compares favorably with primary repairs with below 4% vs. 63%.
Rate of inadvertent enterotomy during laparoscopic hernia repair 1.9-3.3%.
Following laparoscopic hernia repair pneumoperitoneum can be seen below the diaphragm on upright x-rays for up to one week after surgery.
Serial abdominal x-rays after repair showing no progression in the pneumoperitoneum indicates an absence of an enterotomy and viscus perforation.
A large amount of air under the diaphragm indicates the presence of a perforated viscous.
Inadvertent enterotomy can be indicated by abdominal x-rays showing ileus, multiple air-fluid levels in the bowel and blunting of the costophrenic angle.