Port site hernias following robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Port site herniation is a rare but potentially major complication of laparoscopic surgery, but its importance within the context of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is less understood. We describe two cases that developed port site hernias following RALP, within a single surgeon case series of over 500 cases. Both patients re-presented with vague abdominal symptoms early following surgery, with a subsequent Computer tomography scan demonstrating small bowel herniation through the abdominal wall defect at the right lateral assistant 12 mm port site. Both required surgical exploration and successful repair. Following review of these cases and the current literature, we have since adapted our surgical approach. We recommend the routine use of a 'nonbladed' trocar for all 12 mm ports, which should also be formally closed incorporating all fascial layers. Early post-operative abdominal signs should alert the surgeon to its presence, and management should include immediate abdominal CT scanning and surgical re-exploration.