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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hussain
Abdulzahra
A
Department of General Surgery, Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, Orpington, Greater London, United Kingdom. azahrahussain@yahoo.com
Mahmood
Hind
H
Singhal
Tarun
T
Balakrishnan
Santosh
S
Nicholls
Jackie
J
El-Hasani
Shamsi
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome