The balloon technique for trocar-site closure: Description of a novel technique along with a literature review.

ObjectiveLaparoscopic ports have been used in many surgical procedures. Trocar-site hernias are a unique complication in laparoscopic surgeries. Closing the trocar-site defect could be an essential part of trocar-site closure for preventing trocar-site hernia formation. We report a new, simple, and safe-to-perform technique to close port-site wounds. This easy-to-manipulate tool only requires a balloon catheter and involves a safe procedure.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 55 port-site closure cases (54 cases of laparoscopic inguinal hernias and 1 case of appendicitis) were enrolled from January 2022 to July 2024 in the Department of Hernia Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University. An inflatable balloon catheter was used in the upward direction to lift the peritoneum fascia after the skin and subcutaneous tissue were retracted with a right-angled retractor. The trocar site was closed under direct vision, and no complications were reported.ResultsThe trocar-site closure technique was used in 55 port sites among 54 patients, and no adverse events occurred. Only a balloon catheter was required, and no additional tissue trauma was reported. This technique is easy to learn and manipulate. No trocar-site hernia or abdominal organ injury was reported at the median follow-up of 15 months.ConclusionsThe trocar-site closure technique is a simple-to-manipulate, safe, and cost-effective approach.