Background: Concerns about port site metastases have limited the application of minimally invasive surgery for intra-abdominal malignancies. The purpose of this review article was to summarize the current literature regarding port site metastases.
Methods: A Medline search identified >100 articles in English published during the last 15 years regarding the history, incidence, etiology, and prevention of port site metastases. These articles were reviewed and are summarized.
Results: The incidence of port site metastases, initially thought to be as high as 21%, is now thought to be closer to the incidence of wound metastases after open surgery. Multiple etiologic factors have been studied including direct wound contamination, surgical technique, effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, and changes in host immune response. Various preventive measures have been proposed.
Conclusions: Port site metastases are a well-documented and devastating complication after laparoscopic resection of intra-abdominal malignancies. Although the etiology is not yet understood, a number of factors are contributory. All efforts should be made to prevent port site metastases.