ABDOMINAL-WALL HERNIA REPAIR - USE OF THE GIANTURCO-HELFRICH-EBERBACH HERNIA MESH

A new polyester hernia mesh (Gianturco-Helfrich-Eberbach) is introduced for laparoscopic repair of the abdominal wall and groin hernias. The device incorporates the optional use of an internal wire to form a circular shape. A detachable carrier is used, permitting easy, accurate preperitoneal placement. Thirty-four patients with groin hernias and five with ventral hernias were repaired without significant complication. This innovative device greatly facilitates mesh placement during transabdominal or extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair, reducing technical difficulty and operative time. It further broadens the use of laparoscopy to repair ventral hernias.