Incisional hernias after operative laparoscopy

The objective of this study was to determine the possible risk factors of incisional hernias after operative laparoscopy. A retrospective case review was performed in a single referral obstetrics/gynecology clinic and center for special pelvic surgery considering the last 5300 surgeries. Of the approximately 5300 patients who underwent laparoscopy from January 1988 through June 1996, 10 women were evaluated for incisional hernias. A total of 11 hernias occurred, which is an incidence of approximately 0.2%. Omentum herniated in seven cases and bowel herniated in four cases. In one case, the sigmoid epiploica irreducibly herniated through the peritoneum and not the fascia. The hernia occurred through a 5-mm trocar incision site in five cases. The median duration of the laparoscopic surgeries was 192 minutes (range, 25-375 minutes). Six women required laparoscopic surgery in order to retract the entrapped omentum or bowel. In one case, laparoscopically assisted bowel resection was necessary. The underlying fascia and peritoneum should be closed not only when using trocars of 10 mm and larger as previously suggested but also when extensive manipulation is performed through a 5-mm trocar port, causing extension of the incision.