Incidence of port-site hernias after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with the fascial closure of only the midline 12-mm port site.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Port-site hernias are rare complications that occur in approximately 1% of all laparoscopic surgeries. With the use of bladeless, blunt-tipped entry trocars, some surgeons have argued that not all port sites need fascial closure. Several cases of port-site hernia, however, have been reported recently with the use of bladeless trocars. This study evaluated the incidence of port-site hernias after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as we routinely closed the fascia of only the midline 12-mm port site.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2006 to 2009, 498 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent RARP. Bladeless dilating trocars were used in all of our patients. Routinely, six ports were used: two 12 mm, three 8 mm, and one 5 mm. Fascial closure was performed only for the midline supraumbilical 12-mm port site.

RESULTS

In 498 cases of RARP, there were two port-site hernias (0.4%, 2/498). Both cases occurred at the midline supraumbilical 12-mm camera port site. No hernia developed at nonmidline port sites, including the lateral 12-mm port site.

CONCLUSION

Trocar site hernias after RARP are rare. When bladeless dilating trocars are used, routine closure of fascia of non-midline 12-mm or smaller port sites is not necessary. Splitting the muscle and fascia without cutting likely renders routine closure of fascia unnecessary for nonmidline ports that are ≤ 12 mm.