Incisional Hernias after Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

A retrospective case review was performed to determine the risk factors and frequency of incisional hernias after advanced operative laparoscopy. Ten incisional hernias occurred in nine women over 13 years, a frequency of about 0.1%. Omentum herniated in six women and bowel herniated in four. In one patient the bowel fat herniated through the peritoneum and not the fascia. The hernia occurred through a 5-mm cannula incision site in six patients. Since they all occurred on the left lower entry point, they were most likely related to the extensive manipulation of the suction-irrigation probe inserted through this cannula. Seven women required laparoscopic surgery to retract the entrapped omentum or bowel. In one, laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection was necessary. The underlying fascia and peritoneum should be closed not only when using cannulas of 10 mm and larger, but also when extensive manipulation is performed through a 5-mm cannula port.