Trocar site hernia after laparoscopic surgery: a qualitative systematic review

Characteristics of Trocar Site Hernia after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Trocar site hernia (TSH) is an incisional hernia occurring at the trocar insertion sites after different types of laparoscopic surgeries. The aim of this study is to present characteristics of patient and surgery series with trocar site hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 2930 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two major university- affiliated hospitals from April 2014 to March 2018 and the patient followed up for variable periods of time. Retrospective medical chart review to study trocar site hernia including patient, operation, instruments, and pathologic characteristics described. Six patients had trocar site hernia (incidence 0.20%), the hernias occurred mostly at the umbilical port site after using 10 mm trocar. Risk factors included mainly obesity, female gender and use of 10 mm trocars at midline sites. TSH is more described. It occurs mostly at the umbilical port site. Major risk factors include obesity, diabetes mellitus, lengthy procedure, extension of entry site, and wound infection. Closure of fascial defect is supposed to reduce the incidence despite weak evidence.

Dual-hemostat port closure technique with customized surgical suture after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

Dual-hemostat techniques for port closure have previously been reported, but their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated. Here, we describe the dual-hemostat port closure technique employed at our institution, which uses a customized surgical suture for safe and certain port closure, and we assess the incidence rate of trocar-site hernia (TSH) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

From March 1999 to March 2017 at our institution, 316 patients underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by a single experienced surgeon. We routinely used a dual-hemostat technique with a customized surgical suture to achieve safe and certain port closure. We assessed the incidence rate of TSH after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (defined as a reoperation for a TSH or clinical hernia at the port site) based on follow-up data from patient questionnaires and clinical examinations.

RESULTS

After 67 patients were excluded because of death, unknown address, or conversion to open cholecystectomy, 249 eligible patients received questionnaires, of which 173 were returned (response rate, 69.5%). From these responses, TSH was suspected in three patients, but only one underwent reoperation for TSH after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Thus, the incidence rate of TSH after laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 0.6% (1/173).

CONCLUSIONS

Our single-center experience demonstrated that our port closure technique using a dual-hemostat technique with customized surgical suture provides an appropriate option for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially given its ease and low incidence of TSH.

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional high-definition laparoscopy in transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy improves technical efficacy in laboratory environment, but evidence for clinical benefit is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether the 3D laparoscopy is beneficial in transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP).

METHOD

In this prospective, single-blinded, single-center, superior randomized trial, patients scheduled for TAPP were randomly allocated to either 3D or two-dimensional (2D) TAPP laparoscopic approaches. Patients were excluded if secondary operation was planned, the risk of conversion was high, or the surgeon had less than five previous 3D laparoscopic procedures. Patients were operated on by 13 residents and 3 attendings. The primary endpoint was operation time. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02367573).

RESULTS

Total 278 patients were randomized between 5th February 2015 and 23rd October 2017. Median operation time was shorter in the 3D group (56.0 min vs. 68.0 min, p < 0.001). 10 (8%) patients in 3D group and 6 (5%) patients in 2D group had clinically significant complications (Clavien-Dindo 2 or higher) (p = 0.440). Rate of hernia recurrence was similar between groups at 1-year follow-up. In the subgroup analyses, operation time was shorter in 3D laparoscopy among attendings, residents, female surgeons, surgeons with perfect stereovision, surgeons with > 50 3D laparoscopic procedures, surgeons with any experience in TAPP, patients with body mass indices < 30, and bilateral inguinal hernia repairs.

CONCLUSION

3D laparoscopy is beneficial and shortens operation time but does not affect safety or long-term outcomes of TAPP.

A Modern Approach to Minimally Invasive Surgery and Laparoscopic Sterilization in a Chimpanzee

We present the case of Ruby, a 21-year-old hand-reared chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) who had an obstetric history significant for a premature stillborn infant that was conceived while on oral contraceptive pills, followed by a full term healthy delivery complicated by neonatal demise attributed to inappropriate maternal care. She was recommended for permanent sterilization due to her history of conception while on oral contraceptives. She underwent uncomplicated laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation. Due to the similar anatomy to humans, human OB/GYN surgical consultants were used. The objective of this case report is to describe a modern technique for approaching and employing laparoscopic surgery in primates. Minimally invasive surgery allows for faster recovery and fewer complications, and has become the preferred approach for surgical intervention in many animals. The information presented in this case report can be expanded to benefit not only Chimpanzees but other large primate species as well. However, subtle anatomical differences among species must be recognized in order to be carried out safely.

Five-Millimetre Trocar Site Herniation as a Late Complication After Six Years Following Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Nine-year-old Boy

Trocar site hernia (TSH) is a type of incisional hernia occurring at the trocar sites after minimal invasive surgeries, most often in adult patients with non-sutured trocar sites. This is a case report of a 5 mm trocar site omental herniation six years after laparoscopic appendectomy in a nine-year-old boy to emphasize that incisions should be closed using fascial and cutaneous sutures, regardless of trocar size and localization, to prevent TSH. We conducted a brief review of the literature on this topic.

Operative Versus Nonoperative Management of Appendicitis: A Long-Term Cost Effectiveness Analysis

Background. Recent clinical trials suggest that nonoperative management (NOM) of patients with acute, uncomplicated appendicitis is an acceptable alternative to surgery. However, limited data exist comparing the long-term cost-effectiveness of nonoperative treatment strategies. Design. We constructed a Markov model comparing the cost-effectiveness of three treatment strategies for uncomplicated appendicitis: 1) laparoscopic appendectomy, 2) inpatient NOM, and 3) outpatient NOM. The model assessed lifetime costs and outcomes from a third-party payer perspective. The preferred strategy was the one yielding the greatest utility without exceeding a $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold. Results. Outpatient NOM cost $233,700 over a lifetime; laparoscopic appendectomy cost $2500 more while inpatient NOM cost $7300 more. Outpatient NOM generated 24.9270 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), while laparoscopic appendectomy and inpatient NOM yielded 0.0709 and 0.0005 additional QALYs, respectively. Laparoscopic appendectomy was cost-effective compared with outpatient NOM (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $32,300 per QALY gained); inpatient NOM was dominated by laparoscopic appendectomy. In one-way sensitivity analyses, the preferred strategy changed when varying perioperative mortality, probability of appendiceal malignancy or recurrent appendicitis after NOM, probability of a complicated recurrence, and appendectomy cost. A two-way sensitivity analysis showed that the rates of NOM failure and appendicitis recurrence described in randomized trials exceeded the values required for NOM to be preferred. Limitations. There are limited NOM data to generate long-term model probabilities. Health state utilities were often drawn from single studies and may significantly influence model outcomes. Conclusion. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a cost-effective treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis over a lifetime time horizon. Inpatient NOM was never the preferred strategy in the scenarios considered here. These results emphasize the importance of considering long-term costs and outcomes when evaluating NOM.

Trocar site closure with a novel anchor-based (neoClose®) system versus standard suture closure: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with obesity have a higher risk of trocar site hernia. The objective of the present study was to compare a standard suture passer versus the neoClose^® device for port site fascial closure in patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This is a randomized, controlled trial with two parallel arms. Thirty five patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² and undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were randomized to each group. Port site fascial closure for trocars ≥ 10 mm was performed with the neoClose^® device in the study group and the standard suture passer in the control group. Primary outcomes were time required to complete closure and intensity of postoperative pain at the fascial closure sites. Secondary outcomes were intraabdominal needle depth and incidence of trocar site hernia.

RESULTS

The use of the neoClose^® device resulted in shorter closure times (20.2 vs 30.0 s, p = 0.0002), less pain (0.3 vs 0.9, p = 0.002) at port closure sites, and decreased needle depth (3.3 cm vs 5.2 cm, p < 0.0001) compared to the standard suture passer. There was no trocar site hernia at the one-year follow-up in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the neoClose^® device resulted in faster fascial closure times, decreased intraoperative needle depth, and decreased postoperative abdominal pain at 1 week as compared to the standard suture passer. These data need to be confirmed on larger cohorts of patients with longer follow-up.

Long-term clinical experience with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using a ParietexTM composite mesh in severely obese and non-severe obese patients: a single center cohort study

Background: The treatment of incisional and ventral hernias is associated with significant complications and recurrences, especially in severely obese patients. Recent studies have shown a reduced rate of surgical site infections and length of hospital stay in severely obese patients undergoing a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.Aim: This study aims to describe the clinical experience in terms of efficacy and safety with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using the ParietexTM Composite mesh (Covidien Sofradim Production, Trevoux, France) in severely obese patients (body mass index ≥35) compared with non-severe obese patients in a seven-year single-center cohort.Material and methods: All patients with a primary ventral or incisional hernia admitted to our hospital from 2006 until December 2012 who underwent a laparoscopic repair with the Parietex Composite mesh were included in this study. Pain scores using a numeric rating were collected prospectively 24-48 hours postoperatively. Patient data were retrospectively collected.Results: A total number of 210 patients were included; 173 with a BMI <35 and 37 with a BMI ≥35. Mean follow-up was 31 months. No statistically significant differences were found with regard to operation time, hospital stay, use of analgesics and postoperative complications. The long-term follow up recurrence rate in non-severely obese patients was 13% compared to 16% in severely obese patients (p = .60).Conclusion: Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair using the Parietex Composite mesh is feasible and safe in severely obese patients compared to non-severely obese patients.

Needlescopic herniorrhaphy using one umbilical 5-mm trocar and two lateral 3-mm trocars: A case series

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic surgery has become a standard treatment for inguinal hernia, with it recently being characterized by the use of smaller instruments. However, reports on needlescopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair using one umbilical 5-mm and two lateral 3-mm trocars are extremely rare.

METHODS

Seven patients with unilateral inguinal hernia underwent this surgical procedure. A 5-mm trocar was inserted from the umbilical and two 3-mm trocars were inserted from the lateral. After dissection of the preperitoneal layer, a mesh was fixed using a tucker inserted from the umbilical 5-mm trocar while viewing through the 3-mm optics from the lateral trocar.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed without intraoperative complications and conversion to the conventional method. The surgical results of our needlescopic TAPP repair have been shown to not be inferior to those of the conventional method.

CONCLUSION

Our needlescopic herniorrhaphy using one umbilical 5-mm trocar and two lateral 3-mm trocars is minimally invasive hernia repair.

A case report of a double port site hernia and their laparoscopic repair with intra corporeal suturing of the hernia necks and an underlay mesh repair

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First case report of a double port site hernia.

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First laparoscopic repair of a double port site hernia.

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Intra corporeal suturing of the hernia necks prior to application of the underlay mesh.

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CT scan clearing showing the penetration of the right rectus muscle by the hernia.

Introduction

Port site hernias (PSH) are a potential postoperative complication in laparoscopic surgery. It is difficult to estimate their true incidence given the descrepancy in published reports.

Presentation of case

This is a case report of a 42-year-old lady who developed two separate PSH requiring a laparoscopic repair. This is also the first reported case of multiple PSH in a single patient in the English literature.

Discussion

This report highlights the need for further research in establishing well defined incidence rates in order to properly discuss future surgical risks when consenting a patient for laparoscopic surgery. It is our belief that future research should be directed towards determining the risk associated with different trocar types, in the setting of various premorbid patient factors, to help surgeons decide on relevant instrument use and the most appropriate closure for port sites.

Conclusion

The growing incidence of PSH has brought about significant changes in the practice of laparoscopic surgery which behoves us as practicing clinicians to stay abreast of these changes so as to decrease the incidence of PSH.

COMPARISON BETWEEN INCIDENCE OF INCISIONAL HERNIA IN LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND BY SINGLE PORT

Background:

Surgeries with single port access have been gaining ground among surgeons who seek minimally invasive procedures. Although this technique uses only one access, the incision is larger when compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and this fact can lead to a higher incidence of incisional hernias.

Aim:

To compare the incidence of incisional hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and by single port.

Methods:

A total of 57 patients were randomly divided into two groups and submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=29) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy by single access (n=28). The patients were followed up and reviewed in a 40.4 month follow-up for identification of incisional hernias.

Results:

Follow-up showed 21,4% of incisional hernia in single port group and 3.57% in conventional technique.

Conclusions:

There was a higher incidence of late incisional hernia in patients submitted to single port access cholecystectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Long-Term Complications of Appendectomy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure, but no overview of the long-term consequences exists. Our aim was to systematically review the long-term complications of appendectomy for acute appendicitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017064662). The databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched for original reports on appendectomy with n ≥ 500 and follow-up >30 days. The surgical outcomes were ileus and incisional hernia; other outcomes were inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, fertility, and mortality.

RESULTS

We included 37 studies. The pooled estimate of the ileus prevalence was 1.0% over a follow-up period of 4.6 (range, 0.5-15) years. Regarding incisional hernia, we found a pooled estimate of 0.7% prevalence within a follow-up period of 6.5 (range, 1.9-10) years. Ulcerative colitis had a pooled estimate of 0.15% prevalence in the appendectomy group and 0.19% in controls. The opposite pattern was found regarding Crohn's disease with a pooled estimate of 0.20% prevalence in the appendectomy group and 0.12% in controls. No clear pattern was found regarding most of the examined cancers in appendectomy groups compared with background populations. Pregnancy rates increased after appendicitis compared with controls in most studies. Mortality was low after appendectomy.

CONCLUSION

Appendectomy had a low prevalence of long-term surgical complications. We did not find any significant other long-term complications, though the prevalence of Crohn's disease was higher and the prevalence of ulcerative colitis was lower after appendectomy than in controls. Appendectomy did not impair fertility.

Incisional hernia prevention and use of mesh. A narrative review

Incisional hernias are a very common problem, with an estimated incidence around 15-20% of all laparotomies. Evisceration is another important problem, with a lower rate (2.5-3%) but severe consequences for patients. Prevention of both complications is an essential objective of correct patient treatment due to the improved quality of life and cost savings. This narrative review intends to provide an update on incisional hernia and evisceration prevention. We analyze the current criteria for proper abdominal wall closure and the possibility to add prosthetic reinforcement in certain cases requiring it. Parastomal, trocar-site hernias and hernias developed after stoma closure are included in this review.

Incarcerated Right Lateral Trocar-Site Hernia as a Rare Complication of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

Background: Trocar-site hernia (TSH) is an uncommon complication following laparoscopic surgery and a potential cause of significant morbidity if bowel incarceration or strangulation occurs. Lateral trocar sites are intrinsically less susceptible to hernia development and traditionally do not mandate fascial closure. We present an unusual case involving an incarcerated TSH from a 12-mm right lateral port after robotic prostatectomy.

Case Presentation: The patient is a 76-year-old man with localized intermediate risk, high-volume prostate cancer who underwent a robot-assisted, laparoscopic prostatectomy. He developed generalized malaise and no flatus or bowel movements at 7 days postoperatively. Cross-sectional imaging revealed small bowel dilatation with a transition point along the right lateral 12-mm trocar site. A minilaparotomy (extension of lateral port incision) confirmed incarcerated but viable small bowel. This was reduced and fascia closed without surgical resection.

Conclusion: While rare, TSH is an important clinical entity to recognize after minimally invasive surgery. It is critical to properly review trocar technique and maintain a low threshold for close postoperative follow-up, if there is clinical concern for a trocar hernia.

Trocar site hernia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a 10-year single center experience

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard of treatment for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Compared to open cholecystectomy, LC is associated with significantly lower postoperative complications. Trocar site hernia (TSH) is an uncommon, but potentially dangerous, complication of LC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of TSH following LC.

METHODS

The records of all patients who underwent elective LC between January 2004 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The open technique with a vertical incision infraumbilically was used to establish pneumoperitoneum. Two or three other skin incisions were made and trocars were inserted. In all cases, only the fascia at the site of infra-umbilical incision was closed. Following hospital discharge, all patients were regularly re-examined 1, 4 and 52 weeks postoperatively and were contacted by phone during November-December 2015. Based on the findings from clinical and telephone follow-ups, the incidence of TSH was recorded. Using univariate/multivariate analysis, we investigated several variables to identify risk factors for TSH development.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1172 patients were eligible and included in the final analysis. Seven patients (0.6%) presented TSH at 1-year follow-up. At the end of the study and with a mean follow-up of 65.86 ± 25.19 months, 11 patients (0.94%) presented TSH. Interestingly, all TSHs were developed at the infra-umbilical site. Multivariate analysis identified obesity as an independent risk factor for TSH.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of TSH following LC is considerably low. Obesity is an independent risk factor for TSH development, while closure of fascial incision of 10 mm below the xiphoid is not justified.

Comparison of single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery for benign adnexal masses

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to compare single incision and conventional laparoscopic surgeries performed for benign adnexal masses with regard to their intraoperative characteristics and postoperative pain levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The main outcome measures were laparoscopic entry time, total operation time, amount of bleeding, intraoperative complications, post-operative pain scores, additional analgesic requirements, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of 71 women, 39 in the conventional laparoscopy group and 32 in the SILS group, participated in the study. Demographic findings did not differ between the two groups. Similarly, rates of intraoperative complications, rates of conversion to laparotomy, pre- and postoperative hematocrit levels were not significantly different between the groups. Laparoscopic entry time was shorter in the SILS group (10.4 ± 5.9 min. vs. 5.28 ± 1.7 min.). However, total operation time was similar in the two groups. The groups did not show significant differences regarding additional analgesic requirements, or postoperative pain scores after 24 h. However, pain scores in the recovery room and after six and 12 h were lower in the SILS group.

CONCLUSION

SILS seems to be effective and safe for the treatment of benign adnexal masses. SILS appears to be advantageous regarding postoperative pain especially in the early period.

The suture pullout characteristics of human and porcine linea alba

There is a substantial prevalence of post-operative incisional hernia for both laparoscopic and laparotomy procedures, but there have been few attempts at quantifying abdominal wound closure methodology in the literature. One method to ascertain a more robust method of wound closure is the identification of the influence of suture placement parameters on suture pullout force. Current surgical practice involves a recommended bite depth and bite separation of 10mm, but the evidence base for this is not clear. In this paper, the suture pullout characteristics of both porcine and human linea alba were investigated to ascertain a suture placement protocol for surgical wound closure. Uniaxial suture pullout force testing on fresh frozen porcine and human linea alba samples was performed using standard materials testing machines. The influence of the number of suture loops, the bite depth and the bite separation of the sutures and the orientation of the sutures with respect to the principal fibre direction in the linea alba were assessed. Results showed a clearly identifiable relationship between pullout force of the suture, bite separation and bite depth, with low suture separation and high suture depth as optimal parameters for increasing pullout force. Resistance to pullout could be improved by as much as 290% when optimizing test conditions. Both human and porcine tissue were observed to exhibit very similar pullout force characteristics, corroborating the use of a porcine model for investigations into wound closure methodology. Orientation of suture application was also found to significantly affect the magnitude of suture pullout, with suturing applied longitudinally across a transverse defect resulting in higher pullout forces for small suture bite separations. Although further assessment in an environment more representative of in vivo conditions is required, these findings indicate that increasing the bite depth and reducing the bite separation with respect to the current surgical recommendations may reduce the risk of post-operative incisional hernia.

Incidence and outcomes of ventral hernia repair after robotic retropubic prostatectomy: A retrospective cohort of 570 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Robotic retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has become one of the most commonly performed robotic procedures in the United States. Ventral hernia (VH) has been increasingly recognized as an important complication after laparoscopic procedures, in general. However, data related to VH after robotic procedures is relatively scarce, especially after RRP. With increasing popularity of RRP, the purpose of this study was to look at the incidence of VH and outcomes of ventral hernia repair (VHR) after RRP.

METHODS

All patients who underwent RRP at a single institution between January 2012 and June 2014 were studied retrospectively using electronic medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 570 patients underwent RRP, of which 33 (5.8%) developed VH during the study period. Fourteen (42%) patients were obese and five (15%) had diabetes. One patient (3%) had a surgical site infection after RRP and two (6%) patients were on immunomodulators/steroids. Median duration to develop VH after RRP was 12 (1-25) months. Out of the 33 patients with VH, ten (33%) underwent VHR; five laparoscopic and five open. Median size of hernia defect and mesh used was 25 (1-144) cm² and 181 (15-285) cm², respectively. Median length of hospital stay and follow up was 0 (0-4) days and 12 (1-14) months, respectively. One patient who had initial VHR done at an outside institution had a recurrence. Thirty-two (97%) patients were alive at their last follow up. One patient died secondary to progression of prostate cancer. There was no significant 30 day morbidity (surgical site infection, fascial dehiscence, pneumonia, acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction). Of patients who decided non-operative management of VH (n = 23, 67%), none developed a complication requiring emergent surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of VH after RRP is likely underreported in prior studies. Repair, either laparoscopic or open, is safe and effective in experienced hands. Patients who decide on watchful waiting can be followed with minimal risk of incarceration/strangulation. Further studies are needed to analyze the extraction techniques after RRP and correlate with incidence of VH.

No Need of Fascia Closure to Reduce Trocar Site Hernia Rate in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Study of 200 Non-Obese Patients

Background

Laparoscopy is widely practiced and offers realistic benefits over conventional surgery. Port closure is important after a laparoscopic procedure to prevent port site incisional hernia. Larger port size and increasing numbers of ports needed to perform more complex laparoscopic procedures are likely to increase the incidence of port site hernias (PSHs). PSHs tend to develop more frequently at umbilical and midline port sites due to the thinness of the umbilical skin and weaknesses in the linea alba. More than 90% of PSHs occur through 10 mm and large ports can occur through 5 mm ports also. The aim was to study the outcomes and complications in laparoscopic surgery without fascial sheath closure of port site. We compared the results with another group in which fascial closure was done by a standard method.

Methods

This was a prospective study carried out in the Department of Surgery, MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala, from August 2013 to 2015 in a single unit by a single surgeon. A total of 200 patients were selected randomly for the different laparoscopic procedures. Patients were divided into group A (only skin closure was done without fascia closure) and group B (fascial closure of the port in addition to skin closure). In both groups, we used blunt trocar for the 10 mm port. Skin of the 5 mm port was closed simply. The results in two groups were compared in terms of complications like PSH, bleeding, and wound infection.

Results

The outcomes in two groups were compared with and without fascia closure of 10 mm trocar port site. Patients operated for lap cholecystectomy were 170 (85%), 10 (5%) for lap appendicectomy, and 20 (10%) for lap hernia. The study compared the results in two groups mainly for PSH formation. The P value was insignificant and Fischer’s exact test result came as 1.00. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of PSH, bleeding and infection in non-obese cases.

Conclusion

In both groups, blunt trocar was introduced into the abdomen. We concluded that this is safe, without visceral injury, and no bleeding was seen in both the groups. We had not encountered any case with PSH formation in follow-up of 6 - 8 months. There was no infection over the port site.

Incarcerated umbilical Littre's hernia at the trocar site of a previous laparoscopic surgical procedure

INTRODUCTION

Prevalence of Littre's hernia (protrusion of a Meckel´s diverticulum through an opening in the abdominal wall) is very low, and Littre's hernias found in an umbilical site are uncommon. Even rarer are cases of an incarcerated hernia resulting in a surgical emergency. Trocar-site hernias are a relatively common complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy that develop in association with insertion of wide trocars (usually at the umbilical port).

CASE HISTORY

A 63-year-old female with a history of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open hysterectomy arrived at hospital complaining of acute umbilical pain but with no other symptoms or fever. A painful mass observed was believed to be an incarcerated umbilical hernia at a trocar site used in previous laparoscopic surgery. Emergency surgery was undertaken: the opening of the hernia sac revealed a Meckel's diverticulum within it. The Meckel's diverticulum was resected using a stapler, followed by herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.

CONCLUSION

An incarcerated umbilical Littre's hernia at a laparoscopic trocar site has not been reported before. To avoid this complication, we agree with the numerous authors who recommend closure of trocar sites of width ≥10mm.

An Unusual Trocar Site Hernia after Prostatectomy

Trocar site hernias are rare complications after laparoscopic surgery but most commonly occur at larger trocar sites placed at the umbilicus. With increased utilization of the laparoscopic approach the incidence of trocar site hernia is increasing. We report a case of a trocar site hernia following an otherwise uncomplicated robotic prostatectomy at a 12 mm right lower quadrant port. The vermiform appendix was incarcerated within the trocar site hernia. Subsequent appendectomy and primary repair of the hernia were performed without complication.

Physiopathology and clinical considerations of laparoscopic surgery in the elderly

OBJECTIVE

The marked improvements in medical technology and healthcare, lead an increasing number of elderly patients to take advantage of even complex surgical. Recently, laparoscopic surgery has been accepted as a minimally invasive treatment to reduce the morbidity after conventional surgery, and a number of studies have demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopy with significant advantages also in the elderly. On the other side, the laparoscopic procedure has some drawbacks, including prolonged operation time and impact of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on circulatory and respiratory dynamics. This paper will review the physiopathological implications of laparoscopy, as well as the current literature concerning the most common laparoscopic procedures that are increasingly performed in elderly patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the current literature was performed using the search engines EMBASE and PubMed to identify all studies reporting the physiopathological implications of laparoscopy in the elderly. The MeSH search terms used were "laparoscopy in the elderly", "physiopathology of laparoscopy", and "pneumoperitoneum". Multiple combinations of the keywords and MeSH terms were used with particular reference to elderly patients.

RESULTS

Although laparoscopy is minimally invasive in its dissection techniques, the increased physiologic demands present particular challenges among elderly patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy and its safety in the elderly patients remains a challenge and the evaluation of this approach is therefore mandatory. Although many studies have demonstrated the applicability and advantages of the laparoscopy also in the geriatric population, with low rates of morbidity and mortality, in elderly patients undergoing general surgical procedures the physiologic demands of laparoscopy should be carefully considered.

Current status of robotic single-port colonic surgery

INTRODUCTION

The present paper reviews evidence and examines updates in single-port robotic surgery for colonic diseases reported in contemporary studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive online systematic search of PubMed databases was carried out in June 2015, identifying studies conducted on robotic single-port colectomy from 2008 to 2015.

RESULTS

The advantages and disadvantages of several available port-access systems, techniques for configuring robotic arms, and robotic surgical platforms, were presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Current studies show that single-port robotic colectomy is a safe and feasible procedure despite the lack of supporting evidence. Although significant advancements in the development and modification of single-access ports, configuration of robotic arms, and robotic surgical platforms have been achieved in the field of single-port robotic surgery for colonic disease, significant improvements to surgical platforms for single-port robotic surgery are needed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Modified Open Laparoscopy Using a 5-mm Laparoscope

BACKGROUND

In an effort to minimize injuries associated with closed laparoscopic entry, many surgeons use a 10-mm standard open laparoscopy technique. Disadvantages of this open technique are that it requires a larger incision, fascial sutures, and does not always achieve an airtight seal. Although 5-mm laparoscopics with excellent optics are available, little has been written about open techniques using them.

TECHNIQUE

We report a modified 5-mm open laparoscopy technique without fascial sutures. The fascia is elevated with small Kocher forceps and incised in the midline. The peritoneum is bluntly perforated with a hemostat-directed cephalad, and a blunt trocar with a sleeve is inserted in this direction. After rotating the sleeve toward the pelvis, a 5-mm laparoscope is placed into the abdomen before insufflation.

EXPERIENCE

We have performed approximately 350 laparoscopies with only one major complication of a perforated transverse colon densely adherent beneath the umbilicus in a woman without previous abdominal surgery. Minor carbon dioxide leakage was uncommon and no wound infections or hernias occurred.

CONCLUSION

This 5-mm modified open laparoscopic entry technique minimizes some of the disadvantages associated with conventional open and closed 10-mm laparoscopic techniques while avoiding blind placement of sharp instruments into the peritoneal cavity.

Herniation formation in women undergoing robotically assisted laparoscopy or laparotomy for endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of trocar site hernia in women who underwent robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery (RBT) for endometrial cancer staging with the incidence of ventral hernia formation in patients who underwent laparotomy (LAP) for the same indication. To analyze risk factors for hernia formation in women undergoing RBT for endometrial cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent surgical staging for endometrial cancer via RBT or LAP from 2009-2012. Clinicopathologic data were analyzed. Appropriate statistical tests were used.

RESULTS

738 patients were staged via RBT (n=567) or LAP (n=171). Overall median age was 61 years (RBT range, 33-90; LAP range,28-86; p=0.4). Median BMI was 29.5 kg/m(2) (range, 17.9-66) and 30.3 kg/m(2) (range, 16.8-67.2), respectively (p=1.0). Eleven (1.9%) of 567 patients in the RBT cohort developed a trocar site hernia compared with 11 (6.4%) of 171 LAP patients who developed a ventral hernia (p=0.002). Median time to diagnosis was 18 months (range, 3-49) and 17 months (range, 7-30), respectively (p=0.7). Of the 11 RBT patients who developed a trocar site hernia, 10 (91%) were midline defects and 1 (9%) was a lateral defect of a prior inferior epigastric port site. No hernias required emergent operative intervention. Four (0.7%) of 567 RBT patients compared with 2 (1.2%) of 171 LAP patients required surgical hernia repair (p=0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Trocar site herniation after RBT staging for endometrial cancer is uncommon and less likely to occur than ventral hernia formation with LAP staging. Furthermore, surgical revision rates are low.

Comparison of peritoneal closure techniques in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

We aimed to compare tacker and suture techniques for peritoneal closure with respect to patient outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 64 patients were included in the study, 32 being in the tacker group and 32 in the suture group. All patients underwent laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair. Both groups were compared with respect to age, sex, duration of peritoneal closure and the operation, hernia type, the number of tackers used for mesh fixation, postoperative complication rate, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on 1st, 7th, and 30th days, duration of follow-up, and recurrence rates.

RESULTS

Duration of peritoneal closure and the operation was significantly shorter in the tacker group compared to the suture group (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, respectively). Statistical analysis with the two-way analysis of variance method revealed that mesh fixation with one or two tackers did not influence postoperative pain. VAS 1 was significantly lower in patients with peritoneal closure with suture compared to the patients undergoing peritoneal closure with tacker (p = 0.027). VAS 7 and VAS 30 were lower for peritoneal closure with suture versus tacker, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.064, p = 0.294, respectively). We observed no recurrence at an average of 21-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacker and suture appeared to have a comparable safety for peritoneal closure in laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia operation. It can be suggested that peritoneal closure with tacker increased short-term pain, independent of the number of tackers used for mesh fixation. Long-term pain was similar in both groups.

Predictors of incisional hernia after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy

Introduction. To explore the long term incidence and predictors of incisional hernia in patients that had RARP. Methods. All patients who underwent RARP between 2003 and 2012 were mailed a survey reviewing hernia type, location, and repair. Results. Of 577 patients, 48 (8.3%) had a hernia at an incisional site (35 men had umbilical), diagnosed at (median) 1.2 years after RARP (mean follow-up of 5.05 years). No statistically significant differences were found in preoperative diabetes, smoking, pathological stage, age, intraoperative/postoperative complications, operative time, blood loss, BMI, and drain type between patients with and without incisional hernias. Incisional hernia patients had larger median prostate weight (45 versus 38 grams; P = 0.001) and a higher proportion had prior laparoscopic cholecystectomy (12.5% (6/48) versus 4.6% (22/480); P = 0.033). Overall, 4% (23/577) of patients underwent surgical repair of 24 incisional hernias, 22 umbilical and 2 other port site hernias. Conclusion. Incisional hernia is a known complication of RARP and may be associated with a larger prostate weight and history of prior laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There is concern about the underreporting of incisional hernia after RARP, as it is a complication often requiring surgical revision and is of significance for patient counseling before surgery.

No difference in incidence of port-site hernia and chronic pain after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a nationwide prospective, matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) is regarded as the gold standard for cholecystectomy. However, single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC) has been suggested to replace CLC. This study aimed at comparing long-term incidences of port-site hernia and chronic pain after SLC versus CLC.

METHODS

We conducted a matched cohort study based on prospective data (Jan 1, 2009-June 1, 2011) from the Danish Cholecystectomy Database with perioperative information and clinical follow-up. Consecutive patients undergoing elective SLC during the study period were included and matched 1:2 with patients subjected to CLC using pre-defined criteria. Follow-up data were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry, mailed patient questionnaires, and clinical examination. A port-site hernia was defined as a repair for a port-site hernia or clinical hernia located at one or more port sites.

RESULTS

In total, 699 patients were eligible and 147 patients were excluded from the analysis due to pre-defined criteria. The rate of returned questionnaires was 83%. Thus, 552 (SLC, n = 185; CLC, n = 367) patients were analyzed. The median observation time was 48 months (range 1-65) after SLC and 48 months (1-64) after CLC (P = 0.940). The total cumulated port-site hernia rate was 4 % and 6 % for SLC and CLC, respectively (P = 0.560). Incidences of moderate/severe chronic pain were 4 % and 5 % after SLC and CLC, respectively (P = 0.661).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no difference in long-term incidence of port-site hernia or chronic pain after SLC versus CLC.

Minimal incision scar-less open umbilical hernia repair in adults - technical aspects and short-term results

Background: There is no gold standard technique for umbilical hernia (UH) repair. Conventional open UH repair often produces an undesirable scar. Laparoscopic UH repair requires multiple incisions beyond the umbilicus, specialized equipments, and expensive tissue separating mesh. We describe our technique of open UH repair utilizing a small incision. The technique was derived from our experience with single incision laparoscopy. We report the technical details and short-term results.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the first 20 patients, who underwent minimal incision scar-less open UH repair, from June 2011 to February 2014. A single intra-umbilical curved incision was used to gain access to the hernia sac. Primary suture repair was performed for defects up to 2 cm. Larger defects were repaired using an onlay mesh. In patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, onlay mesh hernioplasty was performed irrespective of the defect size.

Results: A total of 20 patients, 12 males and 8 females underwent the procedure. Mean age was 50 (range 29–82) years. Mean BMI was 26.27 (range 20.0–33.1) kg/m². Average size of the incision was 1.96 range (1.5–2.5) cm. Mesh hernioplasty was done in nine patients. Eleven patients underwent primary suture repair alone. There were no postoperative complications associated with this technique. Average postoperative length of hospital stay was 3.9 (range 2–10) days. Mean follow-up was 29.94 months (2 weeks to 2.78 years). On follow-up there was no externally visible scar in any of the patients. There were no recurrences on final follow-up.

Conclusion: This technique provides a similar cosmetic effect as obtained from single port laparoscopy. It is easy to perform, safe, offers good cosmesis, does not require incisions beyond the umbilicus, and cost effective, with encouraging results on short-term follow-up. Further research is needed to assess the true potential of the technique and the long-term results.