Modified Intraumbilical Versus Infraumbilical Entry Method at Laparoscopy: A Cohort Study.

Background: There is no consensus on the optimal laparoscopic entry method. Whether a transumbilical or periumbilical incision is beneficial for the initial peritoneal access has been debated. These 2 methods have their own advocates, since each has its own benefits and disadvantages. Furthermore, the lack of consensus extends to the type of entry technique [Hasson, Veress needle (VN), direct trocar]. We have conducted a study comparing a modified intraumbilical technique (MIT), a novel method that combines a VN insertion through a modified direct-trocar access, with the standard infraumbilical VN technique. Our aim is to determine which technique is a better route for the initial umbilical trocar.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 406 patients from a prospectively maintained database has been performed. Two cohorts of cases have been analyzed (VN=198; MIT=208). Primary outcomes were intraoperative access-related events, entry failure, and long-term wound complications. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1 and 6 months and yearly thereafter.

Results: Subcutaneous emphysema, extraperitoneal insufflation, and difficult entry (>2 VN insertions) occurred more frequently in the VN group (P=0.011, 0.023, and 0.023, respectively). There were 5 (2.52%) failed entries in the VN group and none in the MIT group (P=0.085). Regarding postoperative complications, seroma of the wound occurred more frequently in the VN group (P=0.033). At a mean follow-up of 18.4 months, 13 (3.20%) trocar-site hernias were detected, equally distributed among both groups.

Conclusions: MIT eliminates the risk of failed entries and some complications associated with the VN technique without an increase in umbilical wound infection and facilitates a proper closure of the umbilical incision to secure a low trocar-site hernia rate. Halfway between open and closed techniques for laparoscopic entry, MIT is a safe and feasible procedure that embodies the advantages of both methods and may constitute an advantageous alternative to the infraumbilical VN entry approach.