An Easy Way to Close the Trocar Hole in Obese Patients

Background: Ten-millimeter ports are often used in laparoscopic surgery. It could be difficult to close the ports sites, especially in obese patients. We described a new method to close ten-millimeter port-site wounds, effective and easily to perform. Methods: Forty cases of laparoscopic bariatric surgery were performed from April 2010 to September 2011 at IRCAD Taiwan. Among them, 30 patients received trocar hole closed with SURGICEL® Original Hemostat and the other 10 patients received trocar hole closed with autologous fat. The results were recorded. Results: In group of SURGICEL® Original Hemostat, includes 21 female and 9 male, age range from 18 to 54 with average 39.5 years. Average BMI is 42.4 (range from 32.6 to 55). The operations include 27 cases of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 2 cases of laparoscopic gastric bypass, and 1 case of laparoscopic mini-bypass. Group of autologous fat includes 3 female and 7 male, age range from 20 to 49 with average 38.6 years. Average BMI is 39 (range from 32.8 to 64.5). The operations include 9 cases of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 1 case of laparoscopic mini-bypass. No complications of trocar wound including infection, hematoma, and hernia were found for a mean follow-up of 6 months. Conclusions: For obese patients, closure of port sites can be difficult. We described a method of closing 10-mm port-sites wounds, which are easy, effective, and not required any special instruments.