Robotic trocar site small bowel evisceration after gynecologic cancer surgery

Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Aug;112(2 Pt 2):462-4. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181719ba8.

Abstract

Background: Trocar site hernia is a known, rare complication after laparoscopic surgery. We describe a case of bowel herniation, evisceration, and bowel obstruction through an 8-mm robotic port site.

Case: A 67-year-old patient with endometrial cancer underwent an uncomplicated robotic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy. Four days later, she presented with symptoms of a small bowel obstruction and was found to have evisceration through a laterally placed 8-mm robotic port site. The bowel was reduced locally and the fascial defect repaired without midline laparotomy or bowel resection.

Conclusion: Bowel herniation can occur through the fascial defect after placement of an 8-mm robotic port. Continued reporting is needed to accurately gauge the occurrence of this complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / surgery
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Hernia, Abdominal / etiology*
  • Hernia, Abdominal / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intestine, Small / pathology*
  • Laparoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Robotics
  • Surgical Instruments / adverse effects