For ventral hernia repair, laparoscopic surgery offers various advantages, including the application of a large mesh using the intraperitoneal approach. However, improper closure of the port site may lead to serious complications. Port-site hernia is a rare outcome of inadequate repair of the fascial or peritoneal layer, and Richter's hernia in a high risk patient, in the presence of an intraperitoneal mesh, is a particularly challenging scenario. Herein, we present a 58-year-old woman who, after a ventral hernia repair, was diagnosed with a small bowel hernia through a 10-mm port site. The patient complained of pain and mild swelling at the port site in the postoperative period, and her symptoms indicated intestinal obstruction. Clinical evaluation and abdominal X-ray confirmed the diagnosis, and early laparoscopic re-exploration and management were the key to a favorable outcome.
Keywords: Laparoscopic intraperitoneal repair; Richter's hernia; ventral hernia.
© 2014 Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, Asia Endosurgery Task Force and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.