Laparoscopic Port Closure Technique

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the way that surgery is performed for an increasing number of patients. Incisional hernia can occur after any abdominal surgery and laparoscopic surgery is not immune to this complication. The hernia that follow laparoscopy usually occur through the larger ports (size greater than 10 mm), especially the umbilicus.

 Predisposing factors include:

1. Previous laparoscopies
2. Extensive manipulation during surgery
3. Increased intra-abdominal pressure
4. Obesity
5. Use of sharp cutting-tip trocars
6. Rapid abdominal deflation at the end of surgery
7. Poor port removal techniques and defective closure of the abdominal fascia
8. Wound extension
9. Male sex
10. Infection of the wound
11. Pre-existing umbilical defects
12. Post-operative chest infections
13. Pre-existing diseases such as diabetes mellitus
14. Connective tissue disorders
15. Job profile of the patient (Weight lifting)

Among all these factors the single most important factor in their development remains the improper closure of the fascial defects at the port sites.

The diagnosis is often delayed because most cases present late, and treatment might be instituted along other lines. Computed tomography scans are helpful in its diagnosis and will facilitate prompt treatment to avoid the grave consequence of bowel gangrene.

Figure: Proper closure of port grater than 10mm is essential to prevent hernia

The hernia may become evident at any time following laparoscopic surgery and the patient may either have an uncomplicated hernia, or may be afflicted with a variety of complications such as evisceration of the bowel or omentum and it may become a cause of significant morbidity Meticulous closure of the fascia, avoidance of unnecessary wound extension, the use of non-absorbable sutures when faced with defects more than 2 cms in size, completely defining the extent of any pre-existing hernia and repairing this at the time of port site closure, are recommended to minimize the incidence of port site hernia after laparoscopic surgery.

Figure: Incisional Hernia development due to improper closure of port should be repaired later by mesh.

Whilst surgical techniques and instrumentation have made significant advances, it is usual that the surgical incision is closed using invasive suturing techniques or by the use of tapes or by the use of topical Cyanoacrylate skin Adhesives (TCAs) for closure of surgical wounds. The incidence of incisional hernia occurring at the port sites after laparoscopic surgery, lies between 0.02 to 3.6% and usually remains unreported, until the development of complications.

.

Any port closure technique should have following characteristics.

1. Effective (strong & secure) surgical wound closure.

2. Faster wound closure.

3. As good as/better scar cosmesis.

4. Occlusive microbial wound dressing.

5. Less tissue trauma, reduced inflammatory reaction.

6. No requirement for suture/staple removal.

7. Easy to use/simple learning curve.

8. Reduced risk of needlestick injury - safety and costs.

9. Cost-effective.

Withdrawal of Instrument and Ports:

            Once the surgery is finished all the instrument should be removed carefully under vision. All the accessory port should be removed and the gas is removed by releasing the valve of 10 mm cannulas. The primary port should be taken out at last.

Figure: The tip of telescope should be introduced in and cannula is pulled over telescope to prevent suction of omentum or bowel.

If last port is suddenly withdrawn sudden suction effect of cannula can pull the omentum or bowel inside the port wound, the chances of port site hernia and adhesion is much higher in this case. It is a good practice to insert some blunt instrument or telescope inside the abdomen while removing the last cannula out over that instrument, to prevent inadvertent entrapment of omentum or bowel.

Figure: Adhesion may form if cannula is pulled rapidly at the end of surgery

The access technique will result in breach in continuity of abdominal wall which need to be repaired at the end of surgery. All the 10 mm or greater than 10 mm port should be repaired properly to prevent any future possibility of hernia. The rectus sheath is only necessary to suture with Vicryl.  Only one stitch is required in middle which will convert 10mm wound into 5mm. The 5mm port wounds are not necessary to repair

Figure : Port closure with the help of suture passer

Laparoscopic port closure Instruments.

Various types of port closure instruments are available. The suture passer is a convenient instrument for port closure it is used to pass the thread on the side of cannula and then it is tied externally.

Port closure needle

Figure: Port closure needle

This is a simple instrument just like cobblers and it can be effectively used for closing the port. The tip of the instrument is blunt and the needle faces towards the fascia so the chances of injury to the bowel are less with the use of this instrument.

Figure: Aneurysm needle

Aneurysm needle can also be used for closing fascia. The advantage of this needle is that eye is at the tip and due to rigid structure there is no risk of bending or rotation of needle.

Figure 5-58: Closure of skin wound by skin stapler

After closing the rectus sheath the skin can be closed by intradermal, skin stapler or by any of the surgical skin glues topical Cyanoacrylate skin Adhesives (TCAs) available.