Trocar-site hernia after single-port cholecystectomy: not an exceptional complication?

Asymptomatic trocar site hernias: An underestimated complication of laparoscopy

Objective

To estimate the exact incidence of trocar site hernia (TSH) through sonographic examination and to evaluate the predisposing risk factors of TSH.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic indications were included in this study and called back for a follow-up visit. All patients underwent an ultrasound evaluation for the detection of TSH. Risk factors for TSH formation were investigated.

Results

Twenty-five (8.3%) TSHs were diagnosed among 300 postoperative laparoscopies. The highest rate of TSH development among the surgeries was found in tubal ligation cases with 19%. Parity ≥3 [odds ratio (OR), 3.13; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-8.09; p=0.018], and not closing fascia (OR: 6.74; 95% CI: 2.72-16.70; p<0.001) were statistically significant risk factors for the development of TSH in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of TSH is higher than previously reported, and ultrasonographic examination is adequate for detecting subclinical types of this complication.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery for benign ovarian masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the safety, efficiency and preferred indication for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) compared with conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery for benign ovarian masses.

DESIGN

A systemic review and cumulative meta-analysis were performed in line with the criteria of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation: levels of evidence and grades of recommendation.

DATA SOURCES

We comprehensively searched the electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library in November 2018.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies published in recent 10 years, which investigated the performance of LESS versus CL in patients at all ages with benign ovarian masses.

RESULTS

Four RCTs and nine retrospective studies published in recent decade including 1542 cases (744 cases for LESS and 798 cases for CL) were identified. Perioperative complication was consisted of intraoperative and postoperative complications, including ileus, wound infection or dehiscence and incisional hernia. Although LESS has less postoperative analgesic consumption (46.78% and 79.25%; OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.74, p<0.001) and shorter hospital stay (weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.24 days; 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.14; p<0.001), CL has less perioperative complications (6.59% and 2.85%; OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.11, p=0.04) and shorter operative time (WMD: 3.43 min; 95% CI: -0.03 to 6.88; p=0.05). Body mass index, history of previous abdominal surgery, size of adnexal mass, estimated blood loss and postoperative pain scores did not differ significantly between two techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The indications of LESS for benign ovarian masses are similar to CL and it has better postoperative recovery. However, with less perioperative complications, CL surgery is safer than LESS.

Cosmesis and Patient Satisfaction Following Laparoscopic Adnexal Surgery

Background and Objectives

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS), a minimally invasive procedure, is performed in many hospitals. Although its cosmetic superiority is widely touted, some authors have disputed this view. Here, we compare the surgical and long-term cosmetic outcomes of and patient satisfaction with postoperative wounds for LESS and over 2-port laparoscopy (OTPL), including 2-port laparoscopy (TPL) and standard laparoscopy (SL), after a 6-mo follow-up period.

Methods

A total of 125 patients who underwent adnexal surgery performed by the same surgeon at the same institution between March 2005 and May 2017 were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the LESS group and the OTPL group. The patients completed an evaluation using the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS, used to evaluate linear scars) and the Ultimate Question (UQ, used to determine overall patient satisfaction). We evaluated surgical scars using the Observer Scar Assessment Scale, which includes the Umbilical Scar Overall Shape Assessment Scale (USOSAS) and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).

Results

There were no significant differences in the PSAS, UQ, USOSAS, and VSS results between the study groups. The USOSAS score was consistently correlated with VSS scores of 2, 3, and 4 and the total VSS score, indicating that the USOSAS score may be as effective as the VSS score.

Conclusions

Because the long-term patient satisfaction with and cosmetic wound outcomes of LESS were not significantly different from those achieved by OTPL, surgeons should consider performing LESS after weighing the pros and cons with regard to the patient's condition.

COMPARISON BETWEEN INCIDENCE OF INCISIONAL HERNIA IN LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND BY SINGLE PORT

Background:

Surgeries with single port access have been gaining ground among surgeons who seek minimally invasive procedures. Although this technique uses only one access, the incision is larger when compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and this fact can lead to a higher incidence of incisional hernias.

Aim:

To compare the incidence of incisional hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and by single port.

Methods:

A total of 57 patients were randomly divided into two groups and submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=29) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy by single access (n=28). The patients were followed up and reviewed in a 40.4 month follow-up for identification of incisional hernias.

Results:

Follow-up showed 21,4% of incisional hernia in single port group and 3.57% in conventional technique.

Conclusions:

There was a higher incidence of late incisional hernia in patients submitted to single port access cholecystectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Incidence of Port-Site Hernias: A Survey and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

The impact of laparoscopy on the prevalence of incisional hernias remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine (1) surgeon perceptions of port-site hernias (PSHs), (2) the true incidence of PSH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey on PSH was given to determine the surgeon-reported rate of PSH. A literature review was performed for studies with a primary outcome of PSH. Studies were evaluated using checklists, and scores were used to compare risk of bias. Risk of bias was graphed against PSH incidence.

RESULTS

From 38 surgeons surveyed, the surgeon perceived rate of PSH was a median (range) of 0.5% (0% to 5%) for ports ≤5 mm, 5% (0.1% to 20%) for ports extended, and 5% (0.1% to 40%) for ports ≥10 mm. Thirty studies showed a PSH rate from 0% to 39.3%. Higher quality studies reported higher rates of PSH.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons underestimate the incidence of PSH, but high-quality literature suggests that it may be nearly 40%.

Influencing factors for port-site hernias after single-incision laparoscopy

PURPOSE

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has been demonstrated to be a feasible alternative to multiport laparoscopy, but concerns over port-site incisional hernias have not been well addressed. A retrospective study was performed to determine the rate of port-site hernias as well as influencing risk factors for developing this complication.

METHODS

A review of all consecutive patients who underwent SILS over 4 years was conducted using electronic medical records in a multi-specialty integrated healthcare system. Statistical evaluation included descriptive analysis of demographics in addition to bivariate and multivariate analyses of potential risk factors, which were age, gender, BMI, procedure, existing insertion-site hernia, wound infection, tobacco use, steroid use, and diabetes.

RESULTS

787 patients who underwent SILS without conversion to open were reviewed. There were 454 cholecystectomies, 189 appendectomies, 72 colectomies, 21 fundoplications, 15 transabdominal inguinal herniorrhaphies, and 36 other surgeries. Cases included 532 (67.6 %) women, and among all patients mean age was 44.65 (±19.05) years and mean BMI of 28.04 (±6). Of these, 50 (6.35 %) patients were documented as developing port-site incisional hernias by a health care provider or by incidental imaging. Of the risk factors analyzed, insertion-site hernia, age, and BMI were significant. Multivariate analysis indicated that both preexisting hernia and BMI were significant risk factors (p value = 0.00212; p value = 0.0307). Morbidly obese patients had the highest incidence of incisional hernias at 18.18 % (p value = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

When selecting patients for SILS, surgeons should consider the presence of an umbilical hernia, increased age and obesity as risk factors for developing a port-site hernia.

Incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: incidence and predictive factors

AIM

To access the incidence and predictive factors of incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC).

METHODS

Eighty-two consecutive patients operated on for uncomplicated cholelithiasis between 2009 and 2013 were eligible for the study. Clinical outcome was assessed by a combination of case notes review, office consultation and telephone interview. Long-term incisional hernia rate was the major outcome of the study. Secondary outcome was the evaluation of predictive factors. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed using the following variables: age, gender, ASA score, BMI, risk, or comorbidity factors and surgical site infection.

RESULTS

Six patients (7 %) were lost to follow-up after the 1-month office visit and excluded. The study group consisted of 16 men and 60 women with a median age of 42 years (range 18-69) and a BMI of 25 (range 19-34). Eight patients had risk or comorbidity factors, 46 were classified ASA I, and 30 ASA II. Early postoperative course was uneventful in all cases but two patients developed a superficial wound abscess after hospital discharge. With a median follow-up of 44 months (range 12-72), incisional hernia was noted in six patients (7.9 %). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that age (OR 1.08, 95 % CI 1.00-1.16, p < 0.038) and BMI (OR 1.37, 95 % CI 1.03-1.82, p < 0.029) were independent predictive factors of developing an incisional hernia. The incidence of hernia was, respectively, 15 % in patients with an age ≥ 50 and 33 % in patients with a BMI ≥ 30.

CONCLUSION

After SILC, we noted an incisional hernia rate of 8 %. To decrease the risk of developing that specific complication, SILC should only be proposed to young and non-obese patients.

One-year experience with single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a single center: without the use of inverse triangulation

PURPOSE

Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is generally performed with the use of inverse triangulation. In this study, we performed 3-channel or 4-channel SILC without the use of inverse triangulation. We evaluated the adequacy and feasibility of SILC using our surgical method.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our series of 309 SILCs performed between March 2014 and February 2015.

RESULTS

Among 309 SILCs, male were 148 and female were 161 patients, mean age was 48.7 ± 15.3 years old and mean body mass index was 24.8 ± 3.8 kg/m(2). Forty patients had previously undergone abdominal surgery including 6 cases of upper abdominal surgery. SILC after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder (GB) drainage was completed in 8.7% of cases. There were 10 cases of emergency SILC. SILC was performed for noncomplicated GB including symptomatic GB stone and polyp in 66.7% of cases, acute cholecystitis in 33.3%. Overall, 96.8% of procedures were successfully completed without additional port. The reason for addition of an extra port or open conversion included technical difficulties due to severe adhesion and bleeding. The mean operating time was 60.7 ± 22.3 minutes. The overall complication rate was 4.8%: 9 patients of wound seroma, 1 case of bile leakage from GB bed, 4 cases of intra-abdominal abscess or fluid collection, and 1 case of incisional hernia were developed. There was no case of common bile duct injury.

CONCLUSION

Our surgical method of SILC without the use of inverse triangulation is safe, feasible and effective technique.

Retrospective single-surgeon study of outcomes after laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy and sigmoidectomy

PURPOSE

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is performed through a single port but requires a larger incision than conventional laparoscopy, which theoretically increases the risk of laparoscopic port hernia. Our primary objective is to determine the trocar site hernia rate among our patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study is based on the analysis of demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data of 219 patients who underwent cholecystectomy or sigmoidectomy by LESS surgery between December 1st, 2009 and November 30th, 2012.

RESULTS

Cholecystectomy and sigmoidectomy LESS surgery were performed on 190 and 29 patients, respectively. Three patients developed a trocar site hernia within a median follow-up time of 34.7 months. Eleven patients were obese, 20 had a history of abdominal surgery, and 20 had a preoperative umbilical hernia but none of them developed a trocar site hernia, neither did the 11 subsequently pregnant women. Significant association was found between preoperative umbilical hernia and early complications including incisional cellulitis and hematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

A rate of 1.4% of trocar site hernia was observed in our study population. This rate is similar to the one reported after conventional laparoscopy. Peri-umbilical incision, longer than that with conventional laparoscopy, allowed better preexisting hernia handling, made anatomical closing easier among obese patients, and facilitated specimen extraction thus limiting traumatic operations.

No difference in incidence of port-site hernia and chronic pain after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a nationwide prospective, matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) is regarded as the gold standard for cholecystectomy. However, single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC) has been suggested to replace CLC. This study aimed at comparing long-term incidences of port-site hernia and chronic pain after SLC versus CLC.

METHODS

We conducted a matched cohort study based on prospective data (Jan 1, 2009-June 1, 2011) from the Danish Cholecystectomy Database with perioperative information and clinical follow-up. Consecutive patients undergoing elective SLC during the study period were included and matched 1:2 with patients subjected to CLC using pre-defined criteria. Follow-up data were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry, mailed patient questionnaires, and clinical examination. A port-site hernia was defined as a repair for a port-site hernia or clinical hernia located at one or more port sites.

RESULTS

In total, 699 patients were eligible and 147 patients were excluded from the analysis due to pre-defined criteria. The rate of returned questionnaires was 83%. Thus, 552 (SLC, n = 185; CLC, n = 367) patients were analyzed. The median observation time was 48 months (range 1-65) after SLC and 48 months (1-64) after CLC (P = 0.940). The total cumulated port-site hernia rate was 4 % and 6 % for SLC and CLC, respectively (P = 0.560). Incidences of moderate/severe chronic pain were 4 % and 5 % after SLC and CLC, respectively (P = 0.661).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no difference in long-term incidence of port-site hernia or chronic pain after SLC versus CLC.

Single-incision laparoscopy: a review of the indications, techniques and results after more than 700 procedures

Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) gained in popularity in the last 5-7 years, as a new philosophy has emerged to reduce the invasiveness of minimally invasive surgery. Various abdominal procedures using fewer and smaller trocars in order to obtain pure SIL have been described. To overcome some known problems of SIL, such as establishing the conventional multiport laparoscopic working triangulation, the non-ergonomic positioning of the surgeon, and the increased cost of each procedure, a particular SIL technique has been developed. The technique involves reusable trocars along with specially designed DAPRI curved reusable instruments introduced through the same incision but laterally to the optical system. Hence, the main principle of conventional multiport laparoscopy--working in an appropriate triangulation while maintaining the scope in the center--is respected. The final scar is 15 mm and the cost of the procedure remains unchanged because reusable materials are used. All the abdominal procedures, including upper and lower gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliopancreatic, solid organs, gynecologic and abdominal wall hernia repair, are here reported, as are the indications for and the results after 740 procedures. In conclusion, SIL has to be considered as one of the most attractive techniques of the new minimally invasive era.

Remains of the day: Biliary complications related to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM: To assesse the rate of bile duct injuries (BDI) and overall biliary complications during single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SPLC) compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC).

METHODS: SPLC has recently been proposed as an innovative surgical approach for gallbladder surgery. So far, its safety with respect to bile duct injuries has not been specifically evaluated. A systematic review of the literature published between January 1990 and November 2012 was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing SPLC versus CLC reporting BDI rate and overall biliary complications were included. The quality of RCT was assessed using the Jadad score. Analysis was made by performing a meta-analysis, using Review Manager 5.2. This study was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A retrospective study including all retrospective reports on SPLC was also performed alongside.

RESULTS: From 496 publications, 11 RCT including 898 patients were selected for meta-analysis. No studies were rated as high quality (Jadad score ≥ 4). Operative indications included benign gallbladder disease operated in an elective setting in all studies, excluding all emergency cases and acute cholecystitis. The median follow-up was 1 mo (range 0.03-18 mo). The incidence of BDI was 0.4% for SPLC and 0% for CLC; the difference was not statistically different (P = 0.36). The incidence of overall biliary complication was 1.6% for SPLC and 0.5% for CLC, the difference did not reached statistically significance (P = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.66-15). Sixty non-randomized trials including 3599 patients were also analysed. The incidence of BDI reported then was 0.7%.

CONCLUSION: The safety of SPLC cannot be assumed, based on the current evidence. Hence, this new technology cannot be recommended as standard technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Two-trocar cholecystectomy by strategic laparoscopy for improved cosmesis (SLIC)

Results of this study suggest that strategic laparoscopy for improved cosmesis cholecystectomy is feasible, safe, and decreases the cumulative incision length as well as the number of incisions in patients with favorable body habitus and previous surgical history.

Background and Objectives:

Until the advent of single-incision laparoscopic surgery, few advances were aimed at improving cosmesis with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Criticisms of the single-incision laparoscopic surgery technique include a larger incision and increased incidence of wound-related complications. We present our initial experience with a novel technique aimed at performing strategic laparoscopy for improved cosmesis (SLIC) for cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients with biliary symptoms were selected for SLIC cholecystectomy. Access to the abdomen was obtained with a 5-mm optical trocar in the left upper quadrant and a 5-mm trocar in the umbilicus. Retraction was performed by a transabdominal suture in the dome of the gallbladder and a needlescopic grasper. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, operative time, length of stay, pathology results, and short-term complications at follow-up were prospectively recorded.

Results:

The 25 female patients had a mean age of 34.3 years and mean body mass index of 24 kg/m². American Society of Anesthesiologists scores ranged from 1 to 3. The mean operative time was 51.3 minutes. Pathology revealed chronic cholecystitis in all patients. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. The only complication was one ultrasonography-documented deep vein thrombosis. All 25 planned SLIC cholecystectomies were successfully completed.

Conclusions:

SLIC cholecystectomy is feasible and safe. This technique decreases the cumulative incision length, as well as the number of incisions, leading to very desirable cosmetic results in patients with a favorable body habitus and surgical history.

Single-port cholecystectomy versus multi-port cholecystectomy: a prospective cohort study with 222 patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare single-port access cholecystectomy (SPA) with the standard laparoscopic technique (LC) regarding the duration of the operation, complications, learning curve, late postoperative quality of life (QoL) and the incidence of incisional hernias.

METHODS

Between June 2009 and December 2011, a total of 122 SPA cholecystectomies were performed in our hospital. Simultaneously, 310 patients were operated on with the LC technique. In the LC group, 100 patients met the same criteria defined for SPA surgery. The two groups (SPA and LC) were compared by multivariable regression analysis. Endpoints of this study were quality of life (QoL) after 6 months by the EQ-5D questionnaire 5L and the incidence of incisional hernia 1 year after surgery. Operating time, hospital stay, and perioperative complications were also measured and compared. The median follow-up was 9.2 months (3-25 months).

RESULTS

The patients in the SPA group were younger and more often female. The mean operating time for group SPA was 73 min (35-136 min)-significantly longer than that for group LC with 60 min (33-190 min) (p < 0.001). Additional trocars were used in 8 of 122 (6.5 %) SPA patients. A conversion to open cholecystectomy was not necessary in SPA patients. The conversion rate in the LC group to open cholecystectomy was 2 % (2/100). The perioperative and postoperative complications and incisional hernia (5.5 %) were the same in both groups. QoL was significantly better in the SPA group in terms of mobility (p = 0,002), usual activity (p = 0.036), and overall anxiety (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

SPA cholecystectomy is safe, although the operation is significantly longer. No differences in terms of major complications or the incidence of incisional hernia were seen after 1 year. QoL was significantly better in patients operated on with the SPA technique.

Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration for retained gallbladder after single-incision cholecystectomy

This report details laparoscopic remnant cholecystectomy and transcystic common duct exploration after previous single-port cholecystectomy.

Background:

Recent enthusiasm in the surgical community for less invasive surgical approaches has resulted in widespread application of single-incision techniques. This has been most commonly applied in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in general surgery. Cosmesis appears to be improved, but other advantages remain to be seen. Feasibility has been demonstrated, but there is little description in the current literature regarding complications.

Patient and Methods:

We report the case of a patient who previously underwent single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease. After a brief symptom-free interval, she developed acute pancreatitis. At evaluation, imaging results of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated a retained gallbladder with cholelithiasis. The patient was subsequently referred to our hospital, where she underwent further evaluation and surgical intervention.

Results:

Our patient underwent 4-port laparoscopic remnant cholecystectomy with transcystic common bile duct exploration. Operative exploration demonstrated a large remnant gallbladder and a partially obstructed cystic duct with many stones. Transcystic exploration with balloon extraction resulted in duct clearance. The procedure took 75 minutes, with minimal blood loss. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Final pathology results demonstrated a remnant gallbladder with cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

Conclusion:

This report is the first in the literature to describe successful laparoscopic remnant cholecystectomy and transcystic common bile duct exploration after previous single-port cholecystectomy. Although inadvertent partial cholecystectomy is not unique to this technique, single-port laparoscopic procedures may result in different and significant complications.

Prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing the use of a single-port device with that of a flexible endoscope with no other device for transumbilical cholecystectomy: LLATZER-FSIS pilot study

BACKGROUND

Natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a technique still in experimental development that requires clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy. We present a pilot prospective, randomized, three-arm clinical trial of 1-year duration that was conducted as a noninferiority trial comparing single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and flexible single-incision surgery (FSIS) with conventional laparoscopy for elective cholecystectomy (NCT01558414).

METHODS

Sixty patients between aged 18 and 65 years who were eligible for elective cholecystectomy were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio (n = 20 per group): group A (SILS), single-incision endoscopic surgery using a transumbilical SILS™ device; group B (FSIS), single-incision transumbilical surgery using a flexible endoscope; and group C (CL), conventional laparoscopy. The main outcome variable of the study was "parietal complications" (wound infection, bleeding, and ventral hernia). The analysis was by intention to treat and attritions were not replaced.

RESULTS

Cholecystectomy was performed in 100 % of the cases; perioperative complications occurred in only 1.6 % of the cases, and umbilical surgical wound infection in 3.33 %, with no differences between groups. After a minimum follow-up of 1 year, no differences were noted in the frequency of parietal complications and no ventral hernias occurred. Postoperative pain, hospital length of stay, and downtime from work were similar in all three groups. Surgical time was longer in cases in which a single-incision transumbilical approach was used (58.95 min for SILS and 54.15 for FSIS vs. 49.21 for laparoscopy).

CONCLUSIONS

Single-incision transumbilical approaches are not inferior for safety or effectiveness compared with conventional laparoscopy. The transumbilical approach using a flexible endoscope is just as effective and safe as the other two procedures and is a promising single-incision approach.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with improved cosmesis scoring at the cost of significantly higher hernia rates: 1-year results of a prospective randomized, multicenter, single-blinded trial of traditional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy vs single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive techniques have become an integral part of general surgery with recent investigation into single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). This study presents the final 1-year results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blinded trial of SILC vs multiport cholecystectomy (4PLC).

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with biliary colic and documented gallstones or polyps or with biliary dyskinesia were randomized to SILC vs 4PLC. Data measures included operative details, adverse events, and conversion to 4PLC or laparotomy. Patients were followed for 12 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred patients underwent randomization to SILC (n = 119) or 4PLC (n = 81). Enrollment ranged from 1 to 50 patients with 4 sites enrolling >25 patients. Total adverse events were not significantly different between groups (36% 4PLC vs 45% SILC; p = 0.24), as were severe adverse events (4% 4PLC vs 10% SILC; p = 0.11). Incision-related adverse events were higher after SILC (11.7% vs 4.9%; p = 0.13), but all of these were listed as mild or moderate. Total hernia rates were 1.2% (1 of 81) in 4PLC patients vs 8.4% (10 of 119) in SILC patients (p = 0.03). At 1-year follow-up, cosmesis scores continued to favor SILC (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this trial show SILC to be a safe and feasible procedure when compared with 4PLC, with similar total adverse events but with an identified significant increase in hernia formation. Cosmesis scoring and patient preference at 12 months continue to favor SILC, and more than half of the patients were willing to pay more for a single-site surgery over a standard laparoscopic procedure. Additional longer-term population-based studies are needed to clarify if this increased rate of hernia formation as compared with 4PLC will continue to hold true.

Incisional hernia rate may increase after single-port cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The major concerns of single-port cholecystectomy are port-site hernia and cost. Essentially, a larger transumbilical incision is more likely to increase the incidence of incisional hernia. The effect of single-port cholecystectomy on hospital cost is controversial. This study evaluated single-port cholecystectomy and traditional four-port cholecystectomy with respect to perioperative outcomes, hospital cost, and postoperative complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and March 2011, 52 patients underwent single-port cholecystectomy, and 111 patients underwent traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We used equal instruments in patients undergoing operation with the same surgical technique. Demographics, diagnosis, operative data, complications, length of hospital stay, and cost were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were significantly older than patients undergoing single-port cholecystectomy (55.8±13.8 years versus 48.7±12.7 years, P=.002). The trocar site hernia rate was 1.8% in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the port-site hernia rate was 5.8% in single-port cholecystectomy. This is the highest rate reported in the literature for port-site hernia following single-port cholecystectomy. Surgical techniques were not different in terms of conversion to open surgery, postoperative hospital stay, and operative time. The relative cost of single-port cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 1.54.

CONCLUSIONS

Although single-port cholecystectomy seems to be a feasible surgical technique, it is not superior over the traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Single-port cholecystectomy is equal to laparoscopic cholecystectomy with respect to conversion to open surgery, postoperative hospital stay, and operative time, but it is associated with high hospital cost and high port-site hernia rate.