1. Prevalence of infraumbilical adhesions in women with previous laparoscopy
- Author
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Vicken, Sepilian, Lowell, Ku, Herb, Wong, C Y, Liu, and John Y, Phelps
- Subjects
Adult ,Reoperation ,Adolescent ,Adhesions ,Tissue Adhesions ,Umbilical incision ,Middle Aged ,Gynecologic Surgical Procedures ,Abdomen ,Scientific Papers ,Humans ,Female ,Laparoscopy ,Aged - Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of intraabdominal adhesions to the umbilicus following gynecologic laparoscopy through an umbilical incision. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all gynecologic laparoscopic procedures in a private practice setting to identify patients with a repeat laparoscopy who had a history of a previous laparoscopy through an umbilical incision. Patients with a history of other surgeries were excluded. All repeat laparoscopies used a left upper quadrant entry technique where the abdominal cavity was surveyed for adhesions. We also reviewed adverse events attributable to the left upper quadrant entry approach. Results: We identified 151 patients who underwent a second laparoscopy and had a previous umbilical scar. Thirty-two of the 151 (21.2%) patients with a history of a laparoscopy had evidence of adhesions to the umbilical undersurface. No adverse events or injuries were attributed to the left upper quadrant entry technique. Conclusions: Adhesions to the umbilical undersurface occur in 21.2% of patients who have undergone a prior laparoscopy through an umbilical incision. For this reason, we recommend an alternate location for entry in patients with an umbilical scar from a previous laparoscopy.
- Published
- 2007