Smoking History and the Development of Incisional Umbilical Hernia After Laparoscopic and Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Cholecystectomy

Am Surg. 2023 Aug;89(8):3501-3502. doi: 10.1177/00031348231161708. Epub 2023 Mar 7.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze umbilical hernia occurrences in patients who underwent laparoscopic or laparoendoscopic single-sight (LESS) cholecystectomy. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2020 were surveyed. Data are presented as median (mean +/- standard deviation). Two hundred and fifty-three patients were sent the survey and 130 (51%) patients responded. The overall age was 57 (31 +/- 18) and the overall BMI was 30 (31 +/- 7). Twelve (9%) patients developed an umbilical hernia. Seventeen patients were active smokers and four (24%) developed an umbilical hernia. One hundred and thirteen patients were inactive smokers and eight (7%) developed an umbilical hernia. There was a statistical significance between umbilical hernia occurrence and smoking history (P < .05). Active smokers have a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia following a minimally invasive cholecystectomy, regardless of operative approach. Elective cholecystectomy should be reconsidered for current smokers.

Keywords: cholecystecomy; general surgery; hernia; smoking.

MeSH terms

  • Cholecystectomy / adverse effects
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic* / adverse effects
  • Hernia, Umbilical* / epidemiology
  • Hernia, Umbilical* / etiology
  • Hernia, Umbilical* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Incisional Hernia* / surgery
  • Laparoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Smoking / adverse effects