Evaluation of Adhesions Underneath Laparoscopic Sterilization Scar in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

Introduction: The minimally invasive approach has become the method of choice for treating most benign abdominal diseases that require surgery. However, it is obvious that laparoscopic procedures are not risk free. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intra abdominal adhesions underneath umbilical scar following laparoscopic sterilization, in patients who are undergoing abdominal surgeries.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a hospital based prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Surgery, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (Dr. RPGMC), Kangra at Tanda (HP). The study group consisted of patients admitted to department of surgery during a period of one year and who fulfilled inclusion criteria. During intraoperative period, they were examined for presence or absence of adhesions at the site of previous laparoscopic sterilization scar at Periumblical area.

Results: Total of 60 patients were taken in this study. Two out of 60 (3.3%) patients had adhesions underneath previous Laparoscopic Sterilization scar around umbilicus and adhesive structure was omentum in both cases.

Conclusion: Adhesion formation is expected in any abdominal surgery whether open or laparoscopic surgery. In our study only 3.3% of patients had adhesions underneath previous laparoscopic sterilization scar in periumblical region. Therefore umbilical port can be considered for re-entry of index port in next laparoscopic surgery, in patients with history of laparoscopic surgery through umbilical region.