Comparative Clinical Study of Port-closure Techniques Following Laparoscopic Surgery

Background

Recently, a number of laparoscopic port-closure techniques have been reported to avoid the complications associated with the port-closure after laparoscopic surgery. To evaluate these port-closure techniques, we compared seven new laparoscopic port-closure techniques with the standard technique of a hand-sutured closure.

Study Design

In a prospective randomized study, 95, 12-mm port sites in 32 patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic procedures were randomized to one of eight different port-site closure techniques.

The port-closure techniques included:

• The Carter-Thomas Needle-Point Suture Passer
• Maciol suture needle set
• eXit Disposable Puncture Closure device
• Endoclose suture carrier
• Tahoe Surgical Instruments Ligature device, a long 14-gauge angiocatheter with looped polypropylene suture
• Lowsley retractor with hand-sutured closure, and the standard technique of hand-sutured closure

Results

Of the port-closure techniques, the Carter-Thomason device was faster overall, resulted in fewer port-closure related complications and provided leak proof closure.

Conclusion

The Carter-Thomason device is our preferred method for the closure of port sites after laparoscopic surgery.