Five-millimeter trocar site small bowel eviscerations after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery

J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2009 Sep-Oct;16(5):643-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2009.05.014.

Abstract

Trocar site hernia is a known complication after laparoscopic surgery, especially at 10-mm and larger port sites. Only a few cases of herniation through 5-mm port sites are reported in the literature. We describe 2 cases of bowel herniation and bowel obstruction through 5-mm port sites. The patients were 63 and 74 years old; both had endometrial cancer and underwent an uncomplicated hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy with peritoneal drains left at the lateral 5-mm port sites. Each patient presented symptoms of small bowel obstruction after which the drains were removed and were found to have evisceration through a laterally placed 5-mm port site. The bowel was reduced locally, and a segmental bowel resection was needed in 1 case. Bowel herniation can occur through the fascial defect after placement of a 5-mm port, especially if drains have been placed at the port site.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Hernia, Abdominal / etiology*
  • Hernia, Abdominal / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy / adverse effects*
  • Hysterectomy / methods
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Laparoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Middle Aged