Laparoscopic port site Richter's hernia - An important lesson learnt.

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of small bowel obstruction with strangulation caused by a port site hernia following a laparoscopic appendicectomy and the successful management of the problem by employing a laparoscopy assisted technique. The aim of this report is to emphasize the importance of fascial closures of trocar sites in order to significantly decrease postoperative morbidity. CASE REPORT: A 31 years old female presented with a classic clinical picture of acute appendicitis. She underwent an uneventful laparoscopic appendicectomy. A 12 mm trocar was used at the umbilical port. On Postoperative day three, the patient developed abdominal distension, crampy abdominal pain, nausea and bilious vomiting. Her white cell count increased to 16,500/mm(3), and CRP was 145. X-ray abdomen showed dilated small bowel with multiple air fluid levels. CT scan showed a herniated loop of small bowel into the trocar site with small bowel obstruction. Laparoscopy was done to confirm the Richter's hernia into trocar site with small bowel obstruction. The bowel loop could not be reduced laparoscopically. Limited exploration of the trocar site confirmed findings with necrosis of the antimesenteric portion of the small bowel. A limited bowel resection and anastomosis was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery.
CONCLUSION: Most port site hernias present within 10 days of the primary procedures, delayed hernias have been reported. CT scan is a helpful adjunct to differentiate port site hematoma from incarcerated small bowel. The knowledge of such a complication and its early diagnosis are important to avoid complications.