A simple modified technique for repair of umbilical hernia in patients undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Report of 10 cases.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Umbilical hernia frequently accompanies cholelithiasis. It is possible to repair these hernias after completing cholecystectomy. We herein describe a simple modified technique for the repair. PATIENTS AND METHOD The technique was applied to 10 patients undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. After cholecystectomy has been performed, periumbilical trocar incision is extended toward the umbilicus. The hernia sac is sent into the abdominal cavity and one or two simple sutures are put to approximate the fascial edges of the umbilical hernia. A similar approximation is done for trocar hole. A piece of polypropylene mesh covering both defects with an adequate overlap at four edges is fixed in onlay position. RESULTS No wound complications were recorded. After a median of 23 months (6-40 months) follow-up no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION This simple modified repair may especially be useful in centers where the surgeons can easily perform cholecystectomy laparoscopically, but are not familiar with laparoscopic hernia repair and mesh placement or haven't the equipment and material necessary for a laparoscopic repair.