Purpose: We performed a prospective study for the purpose of analyzing and comparing outcomes after laparoscopic and open incisional hernia repairs.
Methods: Open incisional hernia repair with Rives-Stoppa method was performed on 35 patients between April 2003 and March 2008. Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) was performed on 35 patients during the same periods. Clinical features and surgical outcomes were compared in both groups.
Results: There were no significant differences in patients' clinical characteristics. There were no significant differences in defect size, location and surgical complication. While, the operation time and hospital stay were shorter, and postoperative pain was less in laparoscopic repair group (p＜0.05). There was one recurrence in laparoscopic group and there were three recurrences in open group.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is safe and feasible procedure comparing to open method. We suggest that laparoscopic repair is initially recommended for incisional hernia if there is no contraindication or excessive adhesion.

Keywords: Incisional and ventral hernia, Open hernia repair, Laparoscopy, Mesh