Mini-Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery Using Smaller Ports Minimizes Incisional Pain and Postoperative Scar Size: A Paired Sample Analysis.

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative incisional pain and cosmetic scores in mini-laparoscopic gynecological surgeries undertaken with different port sizes. Material and Method. In this prospective study, all women who underwent mini-laparoscopic gynecological surgery with 2.4-, 3-, and 5-mm lateral ports for benign gynecological conditions between March 2017 and April 2019 were included. The primary outcome was postoperative incisional pain at rest, walking, and after a provoked Valsalva maneuver assessed by numeric rating scale scores at 6hours, 12hours, 24hours, and 3days and 7days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included cosmetic scores of each port site (evaluated by using patient-observer scar assessment scale [POSAS]), operation time, and intra- and postoperative complications. Results. A total of 330 lateral port sites in 110 patients who underwent benign gynecological surgery via mini-laparoscopy were assessed for pain and cosmetic appearance. Pain scores at each time point were significantly lower for 2.4- and 3-mm ports than those for 5-mm ports; however, no significant difference was detected between 2.4-mm and 3-mm port sites (P = .6). The difference was more evident at 24hours when routine analgesic drugs were stopped (P = .004). For POSAS scores, both 2.4-mm and 3-mm ports were superior to 5-mm port sites (P = .002); however, there was no significant difference between 2.4-mm and 3-mm port sites (P = .2). There were 2 port-related complications: one subcutaneous emphysema and one bleeding from a 5-mm trocar site 1hour after surgery. Conclusion. Mini-laparoscopic gynecologic surgery using smaller ports resulted in decreased postoperative incisional pain and superior cosmetic appearance.