Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the frequency, risk factors and prevention, i.e, port closure technique of port site incisional hernia following laparoscopic surgery.
Patients and Methods
This is a prospective descriptive study, conducted at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital and Hira Medical Center Sukkur, during a period of last four and half years from Jan 2006 to June 2010. It included 1492 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for different indications. The umbilical port was closed by the classical method using vicryl “O” on a J shaped needle. The frequency of the port-site hernia was calculated and risk factors identified. All patients were followed-up by out patient clinic visits.
Results
During the study period, 1492 laparoscopic operations were performed, and out of these, 32(2.14%) developed port site hernia during a mean follow up period of two years. The risk factors observed were wound infection (65.6%), obesity (18.75%), chronic cough (9.37%) and ascites (6.25%). The classical port closure technique showed acceptable results. No major complications or mortality was seen.
Conclusion
The classical port closure technique was associated with an acceptable incidence of port site hernia. The new modified technique is required to prevent or reduce the incidence of port site hernia. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:14-17).

Key words: Port-site hernia, port-closure, risk factors.