Is the 8-mm robotic port safe? A case of trocar site hernia after robotic cholecystectomy using the da Vinci Xi system

A case report and review of the literature of 7-millimeter lateral port-site herniation following total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Port-site herniation (PSH) is a rare complication observed postlaparoscopic surgery, typically associated with port sizes of 10 mm or larger, commonly occurred at umbilicus. While occurrences of extra-umbilicus with port size smaller than 10 mm are rare, we present a case detailing a lateral 7 mm PSH diagnosed on the 8th day following a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. The patient exhibited clinical symptoms indicative of partial small bowel obstruction, which became apparent on the third postoperative day. Computed tomography revealed significant small bowel dilatation and herniation through the previously employed 7 mm trocar site. Notably, this trocar site had been utilized with uterine screw. Prompt laparoscopic repair successfully addressed the herniation. The patient demonstrated satisfactory recovery and was subsequently discharged. While current practice recommends fascial incision closure for port size ≥10 mm. In light of our case, we propose considering fascial closure for small-size trocar subjected to any use of a manipulator.

Trocar-site incisional hernia after 8-mm robotic trocar placement: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

The current literature supports the closure of trocar sites ≥10-mm for the risk of developing incisional hernias, while there is no need to suture the abdominal fascia when using 5-mm trocars. To date, evidence regarding the closure of 8-mm trocars that are use by new robotic systems is weak. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of incisional hernia for 8-mm trocars.

METHODS

We prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing robotic-assisted abdominal wall surgery from 2020 to 2023, in whom the abdominal fascia of all 8-mm trocars was not closed. The enrolled patients underwent a follow-up visit during which we conducted clinical and sonographic evaluations of all 8-mm trocars, in addition to assessing the satisfaction levels of the patients. The primary outcome was the incidence of port-site hernia.

RESULTS

We enrolled 166 patients, 155 men and 11 women, for a total of 513 trocars accessed. Mean age was 61.1 ± 14.0 years, and mean BMI was 27.0 ± 3.9 kg/m2. The follow-up visits were carried out after a median follow-up of 14.5 (9.0-23.2) months. Only one case developed an asymptomatic 1 × 1 cm supra-umbilical hernia that was not treated. Patient reported a satisfaction regarding the 8-mm trocars and skin sutures of 9.8 ± 0.5 out of 10 points.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of a trocar-site hernia after 8-mm robotic access is extremely low. Hence, the fascia closure may not be necessary.

An 8-mm port site hernia after robotic-assisted ileocecal resection: a case report

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted surgery is steadily becoming more prominent. The majority of reports regarding port site hernias (PSHs) have involved laparoscopic procedures. Currently, it is common to suture the fascia at port sites that are 10 mm or larger; however, the closure of 5-mm port sites is not considered mandatory. The da Vinci® surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) utilizes a distinctive 8-mm port. We report a case of an early-onset PSH at an 8-mm port site after robotic-assisted ileocecal resection.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 74-year-old male patient with a body mass index of 19.7 kg/m2 was diagnosed with cecal cancer and underwent robotic-assisted ileocecal resection. A 3-cm midline incision was made at the umbilicus for insufflation. Under laparoscopic visualization, three ports (12 mm, 8 mm, and 8 mm) were inserted in the lower abdomen. An 8-mm port was inserted in the left subcostal region, and a 5-mm port was inserted in the left lateral abdomen. The procedure was performed without significant intraoperative complications. The fascia was closed only at the umbilicus and 12-mm port site; the fascia at the 8-mm port sites was not closed. The patient was initially discharged without complications; however, on postoperative day 11, the patient was urgently hospitalized again because of PSH incarceration. After manual reduction, the fascia was sutured closed under local anesthesia. The hernial defect was small and barely allowed the insertion of a little finger. There was no evidence of compression or significant damage to the fascia. On postoperative day 27, the patient was discharged after experiencing good recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted colectomy could contribute to the risk of PSHs because of its surgical characteristics. Although routine closure of the fascia at 8-mm port sites is not mandatory, it may be beneficial in certain cases.

Robotic 8-mm trocar fascial wounds: To close or not to close?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate 8-mm robotic trocar site hernia (TSH) rate over the short and long term, providing aids to manage the related fascial wounds.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 320 patients undergoing robotic surgery was conducted. The primary outcome was 8-mm TSH rate with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The secondary outcome was the rate of haematomas and infections related to 8-mm wounds and their association with patient comorbidities and trocar position.

RESULTS

One case of TSH was observed (0.31%). There were 15 cases of wound infection (4.68%) and 22 cases of wound haematoma (6.87%). Trocar related complications were significantly associated with patient comorbidities, not with trocar position.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results do not justify the 8-mm fascial wound closure. Data concerning the association between trocar-related complications and patient comorbidities strengthen the need to implement the control of metabolic state and correct administration of perioperative therapy in high-risk patients.

Acute Presentation of Port Site Hernia Following Robot-Assisted Hysterectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Port site hernia (PSH) has been reported following both laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Subsequent surgical intervention increases postoperative morbidity. We report the case of a PSH through the 8-mm trocar following robot-assisted hysterectomy in a 49-year-old female patient, along with a review of the literature. The case was performed with the standard protocol; however, increased intraoperative bleeding was encountered from right uterine artery and vein. Discharged at 48 h, she presented in emergency on the fourth postoperative day with acute intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography scan showed herniation of the jejunal loop through the 8-mm left-sided port. She underwent resection and anastomosis of the necrosed jejunal loop. We review the literature for PSH following robotic gynecological surgeries. Although rare, PSH requires surgical intervention, increasing the postoperative morbidity. Need for fascial closure of 8 mm ports should be considered. High index of suspicion and early recognition can avoid resection of the bowel loop.

Management of Postcholecystectomy Complications

Cholecystectomy is one of the most common general surgery procedures performed worldwide. Complications include bile duct injury, strictures, bleeding, infection/abscess, retained gallstones, hernias, and postcholecystectomy syndrome. Obtaining a critical view of safety and following the other tenets of the Safe Cholecystectomy Task Force will aid in the prevention of bile duct injury and other morbidity associated with cholecystectomy.

Complications in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery: definitions, classifications, incidence and risk factors - an up-to-date review

Almost all gynecological and general-surgical operations are - or can be - performed laparoscopically. In comparison to an abdominal approach, the minimally invasive access offers several advantages; however, laparoscopy (both conventional and robotic-assisted) can be associated with a number of approach-specific complications. Although the majority of them are related to the laparoscopic entry, adverse events may also occur due to the presence of pneumoperitoneum or the use of laparoscopic instruments. Unfortunately, a high proportion of complications (especially affecting the bowel and ureter) remain unrecognized during surgery. This narrative review provides comprehensive up-to-date information about definitions, classifications, risk factors and incidence of surgical complications in conventional and robotic-assisted laparoscopy, with a special focus on gynecology. The topic is discussed from various perspectives, e.g. in the context of stage of surgery, injured organs, involved instruments, and in relation to malpractice claims.

Port-site incisional hernia from an 8-mm robotic trocar following robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Report of a rare case

INTRODUCTION

Port-site incisional hernia is a rare but well-known complication following a laparoscopic procedure and it may cause severe adverse outcomes, such as intestinal necrosis. Here, we report a rare case of hernia that occurred from an 8-mm trocar after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 80-year-old woman was diagnosed with cT2bN1M0 bladder cancer. She underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Nine days after surgery, she complained of severe abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed herniation of small intestine. Emergency explorative laparotomy revealed herniation of small intestine from an 8-mm trocar site. A section of the small bowel was necrotic and was resected.

CONCLUSION

It is debatable whether we should routinely close the fascia of an 8-mm trocar site. The patient was an elderly woman with multiple major abdominal surgery histories and hernia risk factors. For these patients, fascial closure of the 8-mm trocar site may be indicated.