Causes of asymptomatic trocar site hernia: How can it be prevented?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evalute risk factors which trigger the development of trocar site hernia after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy operation and to discuss what needs to be done to prevent it. METHODS: Patients operated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2011 and 2013 were evaluated. Patients were called back for follow-up visit at 12 month after operation. Physical and ultrasonographic examinations were performed at follow-up. Factors that facilitate development of trocar site hernia were investigated. RESULTS: One hundred and ninty patients were operated during the study period. One hundred and thirty-two patients who had been examined at follow-up period were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 50.64 +/- 11.86 (18-76) years and female/male ratio was five. Trocar site hernia was detected in four patients at umblical trocar site. One of these patients had chronic obstructive lung disease, two of them had diabetes and three of them had obesity. Advanced age and obesity were found to be statistically significant in patients having trocar site hernia (p value: 0.007, and 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Development of trocar site hernia after laparoscopic surgery may be prevented by repair of trocar site in patients taken into consideration risk factors such as advanced age and obesity.