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The umbilicus in laparoscopic surgery

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Abstract

Background

This study examines the factors related to infection and incisional herniation after laparoscopy at the umbilicus, as compared with those at remote sites.

Methods

From a prospective database of 561 cholecystectomies, 190 inguinal hernia repairs, 71 Nissen fundoplications, and 51 ventral hernia repairs, 873 consecutive Hasson cannula sites, 748 umbilicus sites, and 125 remote sites were analyzed.

Results

The wound infection rate was found to be 6%: 7% at the umbilicus (9% after cholecystectomy and 2% after other operations [p<0.05]) and 0% at remote sites (p<0.05). Excluding cholecystectomy, the umbilical infection rate was 2%, similar to that at remote sites. The postoperative ventral hernia rate was at 0.8%, the same at the umbilicus as elsewhere. The rate was similar for gallbladder and nongallbladder operations and correlated with the postoperative wound infection rate, but not with the preexisting fascial defect rate.

Conclusions

Wound infection at the umbilicus is similar to that at other sites, except after cholecystectomy. Postoperative ventral hernia at the umbilicus is similar to that at other sites and not related to preexisting fascial defects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, The Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

    A. J. Voitk & S. G. S. Tsao

Authors
  1. A. J. Voitk
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  2. S. G. S. Tsao
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Additional information

Online publication: 2 May 2001

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Voitk, A.J., Tsao, S.G.S. The umbilicus in laparoscopic surgery. Surg Endosc 15, 878–881 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-001-0002-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-001-0002-x

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