Umbilical trocar site closure with Berci's needle after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The umbilical region is particularly susceptible for development of incisional hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). To evaluate the effects of port-closure techniques on the complications seen after umbilical port-site closure, we compared closure with Berci's needle and the standard technique of a hand-sutured closure.

METHODOLOGY

A hundred patients underwent LC were randomly divided into two groups. We evaluated the required time for closure, the security of techniques and the factors affecting postoperative complications for both closure groups in a prospective manner.

RESULTS

Closure of the umbilical port site was performed faster with the Berci's needle compared to standard hand-sutured technique. Postoperative hospital stay and complication rates were not altered significantly depend on the closure technique. Skin dimpling on the trocar site was observed predominantly after closure with Berci's needle. Spontaneous improvement on skin dimpling was observed within the 2 weeks after operation in all patients. During the follow-up period, there was no trocar site hernia observed in the study group.

CONCLUSIONS

Closure of the umbilical port site with Berci's needle is found as an effective and safe method for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.