Laproscopic Repair of Umblical Hernia by Extracorporeal Knotting - An Innovative Successful Non Mesh Technique: Low Recurrence Rates on Long Term Follow Up

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the feasibility of laparoscopic transfascial suture and extracorporeal knotting repair of umbilical hernias. METHODS: From August 2005 to August 2015, 45 patients underwent laparoscopic umbilical suture repair. The repair was performed with the Carter-Thomason suture passer and cobbler's needle. RESULTS: Of the 45, 36 patients with more than 1-year follow-up were included in the study. The mean diameter of the umbilical hernia defect was 1.30 cm (range, 0.5 to 2). At a mean follow-up of 34 months (range, 12 to 60), there were only 1 recurrence (2.77%) which happened in patients with hernia defects larger than 1.5 cm in diameter. Apart from 2 wound infections, no other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic suture repair of umbilical hernias with the suture passer method is effective and durable. The cobblers needle proved a simple and cosmetically acceptable device with which to close the umbilical hernia defect extracorporeally.This technique can be done simultaneously during other laproscopic procedures such as laproscopic cholecystectomy,laproscopic appendicectomy where mesh placement is not feasible in view of contamination.We tried this new innovative method and proved successful on long term followup.