Introduction: Due to uncertainties about the complexity of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in varying patient populations, surgeons may be reluctant to perform this procedure. The aim of this study is to delineate risk factors that can be identified in the preoperative setting that predict longer operative times and complexity in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
Methods: Patient demographics including BMI, co-morbidities, previous laparoscopic and open surgical procedures, ventral hernia repair(s) (VHR), and hernia characteristics (defect size/location, adhesions, incarceration), were recorded prospectively. Data are given as means ± SEM. Times (min) required for abdominal access, adhesiolysis, and mesh placement as well as total operative time were recorded during each case as outcome measures of operative difficulty. Univariate analyses were performed using a T-Test or Mann-Whitney U and multivariate analyses using the Stepwise analysis of covariance model to determine demographic and/or clinical variables influencing operative times.
Results: One hundred eighty-one patients (78:103, M:F) with a mean age of 54.8±0.9 years and mean BMI 34.1±0.6 kg/m² were enrolled. Multivariate analysis demonstrates significantly longer (p
Session: Podium Presentation
Program Number: S093