Long-Term Study of Port-Site Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Procedures

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is widely practiced and offers realistic benefits over conventional surgery. There is considerable variation in results between surgeons, concerning port-site complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the laparoscopic port closure technique and to explore the factors associated with port-site incisional hernia. METHODS: Between January 2000 and January 2007, 5541 laparoscopic operations were performed by a single consultant surgeon for different indications. The ports were closed by the classical method using a J-shaped needle after release of pneumoperitoneum. The incidence of port-site incisional hernias was calculated. All patients were followed up by outpatient clinic visits and by their general practitioners. RESULTS: During a 6-year period, 5541 laparoscopic operations were performed. Eight patients (0.14%) developed port-site hernia during a mean follow-up period of 43 months (range, 25 to 96) and required elective surgery to repair their hernias. No major complications or mortality was reported. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic port closure using the classical method was associated with an acceptable incidence of port-site hernia. Modification of the current methods of closure may lead to a new technique to prevent or reduce the incidence of port-site incisional hernias.