Robotic Trocar Site Small Bowel Evisceration After Gynecologic Cancer Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Trocar site hernia is a known, rare complication after laparoscopic surgery. We describe a case of bowel herniation, evisceration, and bowel obstruction through an 8-mm robotic port site. CASE: A 67-year-old patient with endometrial cancer underwent an uncomplicated robotic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy. Four days later, she presented with symptoms of a small bowel obstruction and was found to have evisceration through a laterally placed 8-mm robotic port site. The bowel was reduced locally and the fascial defect repaired without midline laparotomy or bowel resection. CONCLUSION: Bowel herniation can occur through the fascial defect after placement of an 8-mm robotic port. Continued reporting is needed to accurately gauge the occurrence of this complication.