The Comparison of Postoperative Umbilical Port Site-Related Complications Between Transumbilical and Periumbilical Incision After Laparoscopic Surgery in Children.

Introduction: No studies have directly compared postoperative umbilical port site (UPS)-related complications between transumbilical and periumbilical incisions (TUI and PUI) after laparoscopic surgery in children. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 324 children of ≤15 years of age who underwent laparoscopic repair (LR) for inguinal hernia, via either a TUI or PUI, between 2010 and 2020. UPS-related complications, such as wound infection and umbilical deformity, were compared between TUI and PUI. We also investigated the risk factors for the development of UPS-related complications after LR. Results: TUIs and PUIs were used for 228 and 96 children, respectively. The incidence rates of postoperative wound infection and umbilical deformity in the PUI group were higher in comparison to the TUI group; although not to a statistically significant extent (7.3% versus 5.3%, P  = .451, 6.3% versus 4.8%, P  = .593). One case of incisional hernia at the UPS was seen in the TUI group. In the univariate analysis, sex, age, weight for age Z-score, nutrition status, insertion and closure time, total operative time, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, blood loss, and comorbidities were not significantly associated with the development of UPS-related complications after LR. Conclusion: The incidence of UPS-related complications in TUI and PUI was not significantly different. Due to the low incidence of UPS-related complications, it was difficult to draw conclusions regarding contributing factors; however, meticulous care should be taken to avoid UPS-related complications when closing the UPS (Ethical approval No. 2019-24).