Microlaparoscopic left upper quadrant entry in patients at high risk of periumbilical adhesions

We performed a prospective study of microlaparoscopic direct entry in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) to determine the efficacy of this technique and the incidence and site of anterior abdominal wall adhesions in high-risk patients. Direct insertion of the MiniPort introducer was successful with 1 attempt in 16 patients and in 2 attempts with 1 patient. Overall, 12 patients (71%) had either bowel or omentum adherent to the anterior abdominal wall. Eight of the 12 patients (75%) with a previous midline abdominal wall incision were found to have subumbilical adhesions. Two patients were noted to have LUQ omental adhesions. Direct insertion of a 2 mm microlaparoscopic primary port in the LUQ appears to be simple, safe and quick to perform. It provides an excellent view of the peritoneal surface of the anterior abdominal wall and umbilical area. This procedure is likely to be the preferred method of peritoneal entry in high-risk patients in the future.