Internal hernia following laparoscopic colorectal surgery: single center experience

Abstract

Although internal hernias are rare complications of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, they can lead to serious outcomes and are associated with a high mortality of up 20 %. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to describe our experience regarding internal herniation following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Materials and methods: From 2009 to 2015, more than 1,093 laparoscopic colorectal procedures were performed, and 6 patients developed internal herniation. Data were obtained from patients’ charts and reviewed retrospectively. Perioperative course and outcomes were analyzed. Results: All patients were previously operated due to colorectal cancer. Two patients presented with ischemia at laparotomy, and 2 had endoscopic examinations before surgery. One patient was diagnosed with cancer on screening colonoscopy. One patient died after laparotomy. Conclusion: Internal herniation that develops following laparoscopic colorectal surgery may be associated with a high mortality. More efforts should be made to identify risk factors of internal herniation, as this could indicate which patients would benefit from closure of mesenteric defects during laparoscopic colorectal surgery.