Use of pneumoperitoneum in the repair of giant abdominal hernias

The preoperative use of progressive pneumoperitoneum has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in the treatment of large hernias. The indications for this technique include massive hernias, hernias in patients with high surgical risk, and large recurrent hernias. We describe four patients in whom progressive pneumoperitoneum was carried out under local anesthesia and sedation between 1 and 3 weeks before surgery. All four hernias were closed with a preperitoneal mesh. Insufflation was performed on an inpatient basis in two patients and in the ambulatory setting in one. No postoperative complications were detected. No evidence of recurrence was found during follow-up (10 months-11 years).