Incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: incidence and predictive factors

To access the incidence and predictive factors of incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC).

Eighty-two consecutive patients operated on for uncomplicated cholelithiasis between 2009 and 2013 were eligible for the study. Clinical outcome was assessed by a combination of case notes review, office consultation and telephone interview. Long-term incisional hernia rate was the major outcome of the study. Secondary outcome was the evaluation of predictive factors. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed using the following variables: age, gender, ASA score, BMI, risk, or comorbidity factors and surgical site infection.

Six patients (7 %) were lost to follow-up after the 1-month office visit and excluded. The study group consisted of 16 men and 60 women with a median age of 42 years (range 18–69) and a BMI of 25 (range 19–34). Eight patients had risk or comorbidity factors, 46 were classified ASA I, and 30 ASA II. Early postoperative course was uneventful in all cases but two patients developed a superficial wound abscess after hospital discharge. With a median follow-up of 44 months (range 12–72), incisional hernia was noted in six patients (7.9 %). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that age (OR 1.08, 95 % CI 1.00–1.16, p < 0.038) and BMI (OR 1.37, 95 % CI 1.03–1.82, p < 0.029) were independent predictive factors of developing an incisional hernia. The incidence of hernia was, respectively, 15 % in patients with an age ≥ 50 and 33 % in patients with a BMI ≥ 30.

After SILC, we noted an incisional hernia rate of 8 %. To decrease the risk of developing that specific complication, SILC should only be proposed to young and non-obese patients.