Umbilical hernial defects encountered before and after abdominal laparoscopic procedures

Pre-existing fascial umbilical defects may compound problems faced during laparoscopic surgery. Detection helps in preventing bowel or omental injury and repair can be done at the same time. Postoperative port incisional hernias are not uncommon and require surgical repair.

The incidence, clinical features and management of such fascial defects were studied in 2100 patients undergoing abdominal laparoscopy.

The incidence of fascial defects was 18%. The hernias were symptomatic in 56.5% cases, with an overwhelming female preponderance. A supra-umbilical incision above the upper limit of the hernia was used to establish the umbilical port and through this the hernias were repaired with nonabsorbable sutures. Postoperative incisional hernias occurred in 41 patients out of a total follow-up of 1892 cases (2.16%). The common predisposing factors were wound infection, postoperative chest infection and previous existing diseases, like diabetes and connective tissue disorders. Twenty-eight patients underwent mesh plasty and 3 cases had laparoscopic Gortex mesh repair. The remaining 10 cases refused surgery.

Omental fascial defects should be dealt with at the same sitting through a supra-umbilical port incision avoiding direct entry into the hernia. Use of nonabsorbable sutures is recommended. Prevention of wound infection and postoperative chest infection greatly reduces the chances of an incisional hernia.