a second hernia repair after previously having one at an earlier time. Some complications can arise from the need for general anesthesia in having an open ventral hernia repair. Inherent risks are associated with the use of anesthesia. General complications that can occur using any method of hernia repair are: problems with anesthesia dosage difficulty swallowing because the stomach is too high up or esophagus is wrapped too tightly heartburn excessive gas infection or bleeding esophagus moving out of wrap causing lower esophageal sphincter to not be supported General laparoscopic procedure Some complications that can arise from the general laparoscopic procedure are PUR (postoperative urinary retention) Other complications that can arise during this procedure are: nerve injury that results in prolonged pain recurrence of hernia hematomas excessive bleeding that leads to the switch to open hernia repair wound infection Nissen fundoplication procedure Complications that can arise form this procedure are: dysphagia bloating other gastrointestinal symptoms Overall, the complication rate for this procedure is about 10% to 20%. The failure rate, or inability to repair the hernia, is approximately 5%. Outcomes The outcomes of laparoscopic hernia repair versus open hernia repair support laparoscopic hernia repair as the method of choice. Outcomes from having laparoscopic hernia repair are: A lower morbidity rate Low mortality rate Quarter inch to half an inch incisions that result in three small scars A laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair results in a hospital stay of approximately 36 to 48 hours after the procedure has been performed Benefits Laparoscopic hernia repair has several benefits compared to performing Open hernia repairs. Benefits are: Three small scars at the point of incision compared to one large scar Reduced post-operative pain Shorter recovery time Shorter hospital stay See also Hiatus hernia References Surgical procedures and techniques Gastroenterology