ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVH) was first reported in 1993 [1]. Since that time, this procedure has continued to be used as a method of repair of these types of hernias as well as other more complicated ones, such as parastomal and parapubic hernias [2-4]. Many events that occur during and after this operation have been reported in the literature. Many of these are commonplace with these procedures, such as the formation of a seroma, the presence of an ileus, and the postoperative pain that is experienced by these patients. These are so common that many authors do not consider them true complications but rather expected consequences of the procedure itself. Others, however, are significant problems. It is important for the surgeon to be familiar with the prevention and management of these, because despite one’s best efforts, they will occur. This chapter outlines these complications as well as the methods for their avoidance, diagnosis, and management.
