INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have raised concern that morbid obesity is associated with a markedly increased risk of recurrence after repair of ventral hernias. This study compared the incidence of early post-operative recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in morbidly obese patients and non-morbidly obese patients.
METHODS: Case notes were reviewed for consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair between December 2002 and August 2007. Body mass index (BMI) »35 kg/m2 was considered morbid obesity (since ventral hernia constituted at least one co-morbidity).
RESULTS: There were 166 patients, comprising 85 men (51%), median age 55 years (range, 24-92). The hernia was incisional in 102 patients (68%). The BMI (kg/m2) distribution was:
Session: Podium Presentation
Program Number: S044