[Port site metastasis: a problem in oncologic laparoscopic surgery. Case report and review of the literature]

Abstract

First success of laparoscopic surgery promoted the application of this technique in the treatment of malignancies. The technique has been associated with less postoperative pain, a better cosmetic result and a shorter period of hospitalization. The early optimism has been followed by the doubts based on the observation of port site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for neoplastic diseases. Port site metastases have been reported without a sure explanation of their cause: gas turbulence and exfoliated cells, contaminated instruments or limited experience of surgeon. In this study we present a case of a woman that underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy; 12 months later she presented with port site metastasis from an unsuspected ovarian cancer. We review in the literature about this complication of the laparoscopic surgery.