Trocar site hernia after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

<bold>Background: </bold>The incidence of trocar site hernia (TSH) after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is reported to be low. The present study investigates the associated risk factors, with a view to preventing this complication.<bold>Methods: </bold>A retrospective study was made of the incidence of TSH in a personal series of LVHR, recording anthropometric and clinical data on the patients. Risk factors were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. The patients were subjected to clinical and telephone follow-up.<bold>Results: </bold>In a series of 27 LVHR, the incidence of TSH was 22% (6 patients). The use of meshes larger than 10 x 15 cm for LVHR was the only TSH risk factor to reach statistical significance. Female gender and diabetes showed a higher incidence in the TSH group.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>The use of large meshes may be a risk factor for TSH. We believe this to be due to dilatation of the trocar orifice during introduction of the mesh, and also to postoperative retraction of the mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]