Gasless laparoscopy may reduce the risk of port-site metastases following laparascopic tumor surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of port-site metastases in an experimental tumor model following tumor manipulation during laparoscopy aided by conventional insufflation with laparoscopy using a gasless technique.

SETTING

An experimental model applied in a research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Malignant tumors were implanted in the abdominal wall of 24 rats. Twelve rats underwent tumor laceration at laparoscopy with carbon dioxide insufflation, and 12 rats underwent the same procedure during gasless laparoscopy achieved by abdominal wall suspension. Rats were killed 1 week later and were examined for evidence of tumor metastases. The surgical wounds were examined microscopically by a histopathologist who was unaware of the operative technique used and the site of origin of the specimens.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Histologically confirmed tumor metastasis to laparoscopic port wounds.

RESULTS

Growth of the primary tumor was equal in both groups. Wound metastases were less likely in the gasless laparoscopy group (3 of 12 vs 10 of 12; P = .01, Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSION

The use of laparoscopy without gas insufflation may reduce the risk of wound metastasis following laparoscopic surgery for cancer.