[Port-site metastases following laparoscopic surgery]

Laparoscopy for malignancy resection has been followed by description of metastatic laparoscopic port sites. Recently published clinical, experimental studies and case reports related to this problem are reviewed. Frequency of port-site metastases for gallbladder, colorectal and ovarian cancers seem to differ. Ascites and staging during laparoscopy are probably risk factors for port-site metastases. Clinical presentations of port-site metastases are exposed and experimental studies show that pneumoperitoneum, nature of gas as well as local factors were probably implicated. Hypothetical mechanisms of port-site metastases are discussed; it is likely that the aetiology are multifactorial. Preventive strategies of port-site metastases are proposed. Further research in this area is necessary to understand mechanisms of port-site metastases.