Port-site metastases. A prospective study of 131 cases

Laparoscopic staging and laparoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal malignancy is still controversial because some studies report port-site metastases. BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to determine in 131 patients, with prospective follow-up, after laparoscopic staging or laparoscopic treatment the incidence of port-site metastases. METHODS: 131 patients, with gastro intestinal malignancy, proved or with peritoneal carcinomatis or liver metastases, were included. In 57 cases only laparoscopic staging is performed in 49 cases laparotomic treatment is performed a after laparoscopic staging; in 57 cases (43.5 per cent) tumor invaded serosa. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 17.7 months (3 to 62 months). 502 port-sites were controlled. One patient (0.7%) has presented one port site metastasis 3 months after right colectomy for carcinoma with local carcinomatis. CONCLUSION: The study affirm that port-site metastases are rare. They are favorised by serosa invasion. The low rate indulge in laparoscopic staging to recognize occults lesions which are not detected by conventionals examinations in 44.2 per cent in this study.