Early-onset port site (drain site) hernia in pediatric laparoscopy: a case series.

Introduction: Laparoscopic procedures for children with urological problems are common under the present conditions. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with complications such as port site hernia that are not associated with open surgery. Drain site hernia is one variety of port site hernia.

Subjects And Methods: We did a retrospective analysis for the development of port site hernias among pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures. We also analyzed the various methods of prevention.

Results: Among the 148 children who underwent laparoscopic procedures, 5 (3.4%) had a port site hernia in the early postoperative period. All of them were drain site hernias with early presentations, and the content was omentum. Three patients had reduction under sedation. Two patients needed laparoscopy: one for the reduction into the preperitoneal space and the other for the nonreducible hernia due to omental edema. All the patients had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusions: Port site hernia is an uncommon complication in children undergoing laparoscopy. The drain site is the predominant location of port site hernia. Sedation during drain removal and judicious use of drain may help to decrease such occurrences.