Port-site Incisional Hernia Research Articles

Consecutive Versus Selective Primary and Revisional Single Incision Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: Personal Experience in 330 Cases.

This paper aims to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety, and standardization for both consecutive primary and revisional SILS bariatric surgeries, and to analyze incisional hernia's prevalence, technical improvements, and limiting factors. A retrospective database review was undertaken involving, in Part I (Belgium), 290 consecutive SILS, including 80.68% primary bariatric surgeries, and 19.32% revisional gastric bypass, followed in Part II (Lebanon), by 40 selective primary SILS. Training for and standardization of the trans-umbilical technique was done for the operating room team, and was executed in part II. The procedure of single incision was successfully completed in all of the 330 cases part I & part II. There was a need for additional salvage for one or two trocars in respectively 3.1% and 2.75% of the cases. There were no deaths or conversions in either group. Early complications included one medically healed fistula after revisional GB, and two secondary gastric and intestinal perforation requiring reoperations. Late surgical complications were: "3 patients (1.03%) in Part I and 2 (5%) in Part II suffered occlusions, requiring laparoscopic mesenteric defect's closure on an internal herniation." Twelve patients (4.1%) from part I and 5 (12.5%) in part II suffered an incisional hernia. Selective SILS, when standardized, tends to be superior to consecutive SILS in terms of overall morbidity, operative time, and need for additional salvage trocars. Cost effectiveness and higher midterm rate of umbilical port site incisional hernia should be weighed against the beneficial cosmetic effect for the patient.

Port Site Incisional Hernia Incidence in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Following Non-Fascial Sheath Closure: Experience from a Busy Centre

Port Site Incisional Hernia Incidence in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Following Non-Fascial Sheath Closure: Experience from a Busy Centre

Safety of single-incision robotic cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease: a systematic review.

Multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MLC) is the gold standard technique for cholecystectomy. In order to reduce postoperative pain and improve cosmetic results, the application of the single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) technique was introduced, leading surgeons to face important challenges. Robotic technology has been proposed to overcome some of these limitations. The purpose of this review is to assess the safety of single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (SIRC) for benign disease. An Embase and Pubmed literature search was performed in February 2017. Randomized controlled trial and prospective observational studies were selected and assessed using PRISMA recommendations. Primary outcome was overall postoperative complication rate. Secondary outcomes were postoperative bile leak rate, total conversion rate, operative time, wound complication rate, postoperative hospital stay, and port site hernia rate. The outcomes were analyzed in Forest plots based on fixed and random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. A total of 13 studies provided data about 1010 patients who underwent to SIRC for benign disease of gallbladder. Overall postoperative complications rate was 11.6% but only 4/1010 (0.4%) patients required further surgery. A postoperative bile leak was reported in 3/950 patients (0.3%). Conversion occurred in 4.2% of patients. Mean operative time was 86.7min including an average of 42min should be added as for robotic console time. Wound complications occurred in 3.7% of patients. Median postoperative hospital stay was 1day. Port site hernia at the latest follow-up available was reported in 5.2% of patients. The use of the Da Vinci robot in single-port cholecystectomy seems to have similar results in terms of incidence and grade of complications compared to standard laparoscopy. In addition, it seems affected by the same limitations of single-port surgery, consisting of an increased operative time and incidence of port site hernia.

Epigastric hernia contiguous with the laparoscopic port site after endoscopic robotic total prostatectomy

Both laparoscopic and endoscopic robotic surgery are widely accepted for many abdominal surgeries. However, the port site for the laparoscope cannot be easily sutured without defect, particularly in the cranial end; this can result in a port-site incisional hernia and trigger the progressive thinning and stretching of the linea alba, leading to epigastric hernia. In the present case, we encountered an epigastric hernia contiguous with an incisional scar at the port site from a previous endoscopic robotic total prostatectomy. Abdominal ultrasound and CT revealed that the width of the linea alba was 30-48 mm. Previous CT images prepared before endoscopic robotic prostatectomy had shown a thinning of the linea alba. We should be aware of the possibility of epigastric hernia after laparoscopic and endoscopic robotic surgery. In laparoscopic and endoscopic robotic surgery for a high-risk patient for epigastric hernia, we should consider additional sutures cranial to the port-site incision to prevent of an epigastric hernia.

Trocar site post incisional hernia: about 19 cases.

It is commonly admitted that laparoscopic surgery has the advantage of abdominal wall preservation. Therefore, having port-site incisional hernia caused by trocars of laparoscopy must be avoided. The aim of this work is to specify predictive factors, therapeutic modalities and to insist on prevention of this avoidable complication. It is a retrospective and descriptive study over a period of 10 years, between January 2006 and December 2015. This series includes 19 consecutive patients who present port-site incisional hernia. Age, initial intervention, site and size of the trocars incisional hernia, diagnostic method, delay and type of the second procedure with the final results were examined and recorded. Our study contains 19 female. The average age was 55 years (29-78). Risk factors were resent in 12 patients. All our patients were operated initially by laparoscopic approach. The average onset time was 6.6 months (3-12). Fourteen patients presented swelling at the trocar site and 5 patients had an emergent surgery due to the strangulation of the port-site incisional hernia. For these five patients a primary suture was made. Hernia content was the great omentum in 11 cases and small bowel in 8 cases. It was umbilical in 16 patients and in the left flank in 3 patients. They occur all where it was placed a 10 mm trocar. The evolution was suitable in all cases. There were two recurrences, one after primary suture and the other after a mesh repair. Port-site incisional hernia is rare. The most incriminated risk factors are essentially trocar size, obesity and open coelioscopy. Vital prognosis can be engaged if port-site incisional hernia is incarcerated or strangulated then prevention is necessary.

Laparoscopic Port Closure Techniques and Incidence of Port-site Hernias: A Review and Recommendations

Laparoscopic Port Closure Techniques and Incidence of Port-site Hernias: A Review and Recommendations

Port site hernia after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a retrospective cohort study of 352 patients.

Port site hernia (PSH) following laparoscopic procedures is a rare but serious complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of PSH after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and the efficacy of closure of the port site as a means of preventing PSH. A retrospective analysis was performed on 386 patients who underwent LSG between December 2009 and January 2015. 352 (91.2%) of the patient were followed up for at least 24months. In the first 206 patients, the fascial layers of the trocar incisions were not closed, while in the next 146 cases, routine closure of the trocar sites was performed. The patients were reviewed in relation to demographics, comorbidities, complications, percentage of excess weight loss, and rates of PSH. The total cohort consisted of 220 female and 132 male patients with a mean age of 36.2±12.3years. Demographic data, initial BMI, and comorbidities were similar for the patients in both groups. The closure of the fascia was caused by the prolonged duration of the operation with no significant difference. The unclosed fascial defects were associated with a significantly increased incidence of PSH (1.3 vs. 3.9%, p<0.05). All of the patients who experienced PSH had at least one comorbidity, and no complication was noted in the fascial closure cases. It was found that the rate of PSH after LSG is not as low as previously thought, and that routine closure of fascial defects at port sites may result in a decreased PSH rate.

Evaluation of port site hernias, chronic pain and recurrence rates after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a monocentric long-term study

The aim of this study was to evaluate hernia appearance at the trocar site after laparoscopic treatment of primary or incisional ventral hernias using an intraperitoneal prosthetic mesh. Chronic pain at the trocar site and primary hernia recurrence were also evaluated. Two-hundred and twenty-six consecutive patients who underwent a standardized laparoscopic hernia repair for primary or incisional ventral hernia at our centre between January 2000 and December 2008 were included. All patients had clinical and radiological examinations. Primary end points were port site hernia and the occurrence of chronic trocar site pain. Secondary end point was primary hernia recurrence. Seventy-eight patients were excluded: 6 declined to participate, 48 were unreachable, and 24 did not meet the inclusion criteria (nine underwent a single site laparoscopic approach, ten died of unrelated disease, three were unable to visit the hospital and two had relocated). After exclusion, 148 remained in our study. Mean follow-up was 49±12.6months. Mean age at the time of surgery was 60years (range, 28-83) In total, 504 port sites were clinically and radiologically evaluated, and only one (0.02%) had secondary herniation. Three patients (2.0%) had a recurrent hernia, and 14 (9.5%) had developed chronic pain at time of assessment. Nine patients (6.1%) were re-operated for the recurrent hernia before the follow-up evaluation. The overall recurrence rate is, therefore, 8.1%. Only two minor complications and no major complications occurred after surgery. No mortality was observed. Laparoscopic repair for primary or incisional ventral hernias is a safe surgical approach, with low rates of hernia recurrence and a low morbidity rate. When fascial closure is maintained for 10mm port sites, the incidence of port site hernias is very low. Five millimetre ports do not require closure.

Port site Richter’s hernia. Case report and review

The incidence of port site hernia (PSH) after a range of laparoscopic procedures has been variously reported as between 0.14% and 22%. In addition to pain, PSH may be associated with severe complications, including bowel obstruction, strangulation, and perforation. The case is reported of Richter’s hernia in a 45-year-old male at a 5 mm port site 6 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).He presented with a lump in the right lumbar region associated with sudden onset pain and non-passage of stool for two days. With a diagnosis of PSH, he underwent exploratory laparotomy with a right lumbar skin incision, which revealed herniation of the omentum and part of the antimesenteric wall of a small bowel loop through the port site defect of about 1 x 1 cm. The gangrenous omentum was excised and the rest of the omentum and viable bowel loops were reposited. PubMed database search 1991 to 2016 showed an incidence of PSH ranging from 0.38% to 5.4% with an overall incidence of 1.7% in a review from 1995 to 2008. The umbilicus was the most common port to be associated with incisional hernia. It is rarely associated with strangulation or bowel obstruction. Not closing the fascial defect is thought to be implicated, although closing the fascia is not preventive. PSH at secondary port sites is very rare. Richter’s hernia with strangulation at a 5 mm port-site is the rarest presentation.

Port-site incisional hernia - A case series of 54 patients.

BackgroundThe increased use of laparoscopy has resulted in certain complications specifically associated with the laparoscopic approach, such as port-site incisional hernia (PIH). Until today, it is not finally clarified if port-site closure should be performed by fascia suture or not. Furthermore, the optimal treatment strategy in PIH (suture vs. mesh) is still widely unclear. The aim of this study was to present our experience with PIH in two independent departments and to derive possible treatment strategies from these results.MethodsBetween 2003 and 2013, 54 patients were operated due to port-site incisional hernia in two surgical centres. Their data were collected and retrospectively analyzed depending on surgical technique of port-site hernia repair (Mesh repair group, n = 13 vs. Suture only group, n = 41).ResultsPort site incisional hernia occurred in 96% (52 patients) after the use of trocars with 10 mm or larger diameter. Patients treated with mesh repair had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (32 ± 9 vs. 27 ± 4; p = 0.023) and significantly higher rates of cardiac diseases (77% vs. 39%; p = 0.026) than patients in the suture only group. Mean fascial defect size was significantly larger in the Mesh repair group than in the Suture only group (31 ± 24 mm vs. 24 ± 32 mm; p = 0.007) and mean time of operation was significantly longer in patients operated with mesh repair (83 ± 47 min vs. 40 ± 28 min; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in mean hospital stay (3 ± 4 days; p = 0.057) and hernia recurrence rates (9%; p = 0.653) between study groups. Mean time of follow up was 32 ± 35 months.ConclusionsIn Port sites of 10 mm and larger diameter fascia should be closed by suture, whereas the risk of hernia development in 5 mm trocar placements seems to be a rare complication. Port-site incisional hernia should be treated by suture or mesh repair depending on fascial defect size and the patients' risk factors regarding preexisting deseases and body mass index.

Incidence of Port-Site Hernias: A Survey and Literature Review.

The impact of laparoscopy on the prevalence of incisional hernias remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine (1) surgeon perceptions of port-site hernias (PSHs), (2) the true incidence of PSH. A survey on PSH was given to determine the surgeon-reported rate of PSH. A literature review was performed for studies with a primary outcome of PSH. Studies were evaluated using checklists, and scores were used to compare risk of bias. Risk of bias was graphed against PSH incidence. From 38 surgeons surveyed, the surgeon perceived rate of PSH was a median (range) of 0.5% (0% to 5%) for ports ≤5 mm, 5% (0.1% to 20%) for ports extended, and 5% (0.1% to 40%) for ports ≥10 mm. Thirty studies showed a PSH rate from 0% to 39.3%. Higher quality studies reported higher rates of PSH. Surgeons underestimate the incidence of PSH, but high-quality literature suggests that it may be nearly 40%.

Port site hernia in laparoscopic surgery: Way to prevent it

Port-site hernia (PSH) is not a very rare complication following laparoscopic surgery. Incidence of PSH probably is a bit of understatement, as the common laparoscopic surgical procedures are not followed up on a regular basis in most parts of the world. This study aimed to review the present literature, current incidence and causes of PSH and to adopt a technically easier method to reduce the incidence of developing PSH following laparoscopic surgery. In a series of 200 patients for laparoscopic appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy we introduced one 11 mm safety trocar just above or below the umbilicus at the paramedian site through the rectus abdominis muscle, avoiding the midline for the purpose of telescope insertion instead of making the port at umbilicus. The incidence of port- site hernia was calculated and the predisposing factors were considered. None out of 200 cases developed port site hernia in our 18-month follow-up, so in our study the incidence of PSH was 0%. The incidence of PSH in a range of laparoscopic procedures varies. There is a rising incidence of PSH following laparoscopic colorectal, and bariatric surgeries as larger size ports are used quite often in those cases. The incidence of PSH following laparoscopic appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be minimized taking the predisposing factors into consideration and by adopting a easier modification of conventional technique.

Impact of the Specific Extraction-Site Location on the Risk of Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection.

The impact of the specific incision used for specimen extraction during laparoscopic colorectal surgery on incisional hernia rates relative to other contributing factors remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the relationship between extraction-site location and incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This was a retrospective cohort study (January 2000 through December 2011). The study was conducted at a high-volume, specialized colorectal surgery department. All of the patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection were identified from our prospectively maintained institutional database. Extraction-site and port-site incisional hernias clinically detected by physician or detected on CT scan were collected. Converted cases, defined as the use of a midline incision to perform the operation, were kept in the intent-to-treat analysis. Specific extraction-site groups were compared, and other relevant factors associated with incisional hernia rates were also evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 2148 patients (54.0% with abdominal and 46.0% with pelvic operations) with a mean age of 51.7 ± 18.2 years (52% women) were reviewed. Used extraction sites were infraumbilical midline (23.7%), stoma site/right or left lower quadrant (15%), periumbilical midline (22.5%), and Pfannenstiel (29.6%) and midline converted (9.2%). Overall crude extraction site incisional hernia rate during a mean follow-up of 5.9 ± 3.0 years was 7.2% (n = 155). Extraction-site incisional hernia crude rates were highest after periumbilical midline (12.6%) and a midline incision used for conversion to open surgery (12.0%). Independent factors associated with extraction-site incisional hernia were any extraction sites compared with Pfannenstiel (periumbilical midline HR = 12.7; midline converted HR = 13.1; stoma site HR = 28.4; p < 0.001 for each), increased BMI (HR = 1.23; p = 0.002), synchronous port-site hernias (HR = 3.66; p < 0.001), and postoperative superficial surgical-site infection (HR = 2.11; p < 0.001). This study was limited by its retrospective nature, incisional hernia diagnoses based on clinical examination, and heterogeneous surgical population. Preferential extraction sites to minimize incisional hernia rates should be Pfannenstiel or incisions off the midline. Midline incisions should be avoided when possible.

Influencing factors for port-site hernias after single-incision laparoscopy.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has been demonstrated to be a feasible alternative to multiport laparoscopy, but concerns over port-site incisional hernias have not been well addressed. A retrospective study was performed to determine the rate of port-site hernias as well as influencing risk factors for developing this complication. A review of all consecutive patients who underwent SILS over 4years was conducted using electronic medical records in a multi-specialty integrated healthcare system. Statistical evaluation included descriptive analysis of demographics in addition to bivariate and multivariate analyses of potential risk factors, which were age, gender, BMI, procedure, existing insertion-site hernia, wound infection, tobacco use, steroid use, and diabetes. 787 patients who underwent SILS without conversion to open were reviewed. There were 454 cholecystectomies, 189 appendectomies, 72 colectomies, 21 fundoplications, 15 transabdominal inguinal herniorrhaphies, and 36 other surgeries. Cases included 532 (67.6%) women, and among all patients mean age was 44.65 (±19.05) years and mean BMI of 28.04 (±6). Of these, 50 (6.35%) patients were documented as developing port-site incisional hernias by a health care provider or by incidental imaging. Of the risk factors analyzed, insertion-site hernia, age, and BMI were significant. Multivariate analysis indicated that both preexisting hernia and BMI were significant risk factors (p value=0.00212; p value=0.0307). Morbidly obese patients had the highest incidence of incisional hernias at 18.18% (p value=0.02). When selecting patients for SILS, surgeons should consider the presence of an umbilical hernia, increased age and obesity as risk factors for developing a port-site hernia.

No Need of Fascia Closure to Reduce Trocar Site Hernia Rate in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Study of 200 Non-Obese Patients.

BackgroundLaparoscopy is widely practiced and offers realistic benefits over conventional surgery. Port closure is important after a laparoscopic procedure to prevent port site incisional hernia. Larger port size and increasing numbers of ports needed to perform more complex laparoscopic procedures are likely to increase the incidence of port site hernias (PSHs). PSHs tend to develop more frequently at umbilical and midline port sites due to the thinness of the umbilical skin and weaknesses in the linea alba. More than 90% of PSHs occur through 10 mm and large ports can occur through 5 mm ports also. The aim was to study the outcomes and complications in laparoscopic surgery without fascial sheath closure of port site. We compared the results with another group in which fascial closure was done by a standard method.MethodsThis was a prospective study carried out in the Department of Surgery, MMIMSR, Mullana, Ambala, from August 2013 to 2015 in a single unit by a single surgeon. A total of 200 patients were selected randomly for the different laparoscopic procedures. Patients were divided into group A (only skin closure was done without fascia closure) and group B (fascial closure of the port in addition to skin closure). In both groups, we used blunt trocar for the 10 mm port. Skin of the 5 mm port was closed simply. The results in two groups were compared in terms of complications like PSH, bleeding, and wound infection.ResultsThe outcomes in two groups were compared with and without fascia closure of 10 mm trocar port site. Patients operated for lap cholecystectomy were 170 (85%), 10 (5%) for lap appendicectomy, and 20 (10%) for lap hernia. The study compared the results in two groups mainly for PSH formation. The P value was insignificant and Fischer’s exact test result came as 1.00. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of PSH, bleeding and infection in non-obese cases.ConclusionIn both groups, blunt trocar was introduced into the abdomen. We concluded that this is safe, without visceral injury, and no bleeding was seen in both the groups. We had not encountered any case with PSH formation in follow-up of 6 - 8 months. There was no infection over the port site.

Potential risk of port-site adhesions in patients after laparoscopic myomectomy using radially expanding trocars

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of port-site adhesions following use of radially expanding trocars (RETs) at laparoscopic myomectomy by observation via second-look laparoscopy (SLL). MethodsIn a retrospective study, data from patients who underwent SLL after laparoscopic myomectomy between January 2007 and June 2012 at Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, were assessed for the incidence of port-site adhesions forming below RET incisional scars when fascial and peritoneal defects had not been closed. ResultsDuring the study period, 554 patients underwent SLL, and 2176 incisional scars were examined. Adhesions were detected in 15 patients (2.8%); thus, the incidence of port-site adhesions under scars was 0.7% (15/2176). Among these 15 patients, the wounds with adhesions were located as follows: 6 (1.1%) under the umbilical scar, 5 (0.9%) under the right lower abdominal scar, 2 (0.4%) under the left upper abdominal scar, and 2 (0.4%) under the left lower abdominal scar. According to multiple regression analysis, the duration of laparoscopic myomectomy was positively associated with port-site adhesions (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–2.94; P=0.02). ConclusionThe present data suggest that the incidence of port-site hernias and adhesions under RET incisional scars is low despite the non-closure of fascial and peritoneal defects.

Incidence of port site hernias in robotic and laparoscopy assisted procedures in gynecologic oncology

Incidence of port site hernias in robotic and laparoscopy assisted procedures in gynecologic oncology

Incidence of port-site incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic surgery.

Background and Objectives:Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity among minimally invasive surgeons and is now being applied to a broad number of surgical procedures. Although this technique uses only 1 port, the diameter of the incision is larger than in standard laparoscopic surgery. The long-term incidence of port-site hernias after single-incision laparoscopic surgery has yet to be determined.Methods:All patients who underwent a single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedure from May 2008 through May 2009 were included in the study. Single-incision laparoscopic surgical operations were performed either by a multiport technique or with a 3-trocar single-incision laparoscopic surgery port. The patients were seen at 30 to 36 months' follow-up, at which time they were examined for any evidence of port-site incisional hernia. Patients found to have hernias on clinical examination underwent repairs with mesh.Results:A total of 211 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The types of operations included were cholecystectomy, appendectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, and gastrojejunostomy. We found a port-site hernia rate of 2.9% at 30 to 36 months' follow-up.Conclusion:Port-site incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedures remains a major setback for patients. The true incidence remains largely unknown because most patients are asymptomatic and therefore do not seek surgical aid.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: review of 500 cases in single surgeon Australian practice

Reported results and techniques of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are variable. Our objective was to assess results of weight loss, complications and reflux in a large consecutive series of LSG, describing technical detail which contributed to outcomes. Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 500 consecutive patients undergoing LSG. Patient demographics, weight loss, complications and functional outcomes were analysed and operative technique described. Five hundred patients underwent LSG over 3 years (37 revisional). Mean (range) preoperative body mass index was 45 kg/m(2) (35-76 kg/m(2) ). Mean follow-up and length of hospital stay were 14 months (1-34) and 3.8 days (3-12), respectively. All-cause 30-day readmission rate 1.2%. Mean excess weight loss (interquartile range, available patient data) was 43% (22-65%, 423 patients), 58% (45-70%, 352 patients), 76% (52-84%, 258 patients), 71% (51-87%, 102 patients) and 73% (55-86%, 13 patients) at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months, respectively. There was no mortality. Intraoperative complications occurred in two (0.4%) - splenic bleeding; bougie related oesophageal injury. Early surgical complications in four (1.2%) patients (one staple line leak and three post-operative bleeds). Other early complications occurred in three (0.6%) patients (one pseudomembranous colitis; one central line sepsis; one portal venous thrombosis) and late in four (0.8%) patients (three port-site incisional hernias; mid-sleeve stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation). Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms decreased from 45 to 6%. With attention to detail, LSG can lead to good excess weight loss with minimal complications. Tenants to success include repair of hiatal laxity, generous width at angula incisura and complete resection of posterior fundus.

Outcomes of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy Using Barbed Delayed Absorbable Sutures

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate 1-year outcomes of robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for pelvic organ prolapse using barbed delayed absorbable sutures. DesignRetrospective cohort study (Class II-3). SettingsUniversity-based hospital in Southeast Texas. PatientsPatients with symptomatic apical pelvic organ prolapse who underwent RSC using barbed delayed absorbable sutures between January 2011 and August 2012. Patients were examined postoperatively at least twice (after 6 weeks and 1 year). InterventionsRSC procedure. Measurements and Main ResultsThe study included a total of 20 patients, of them 15 had grades 3 or 4 whereas 5 had grade 2 apical defects according to the Baden-Walker classification system. Fourteen patients (70%) underwent concomitant hysterectomy while 9 (45%) underwent concomitant anti-incontinence surgery. Mesh suturing times were 46.9 ± 12.6 and 20.5 ± 9.3 minutes in the first 10 versus the last 10 cases, respectively (p < .001). The mean follow-up duration was 17.3 months (range, 12–24 months). There were no recurrences of apical defects or mesh/suture exposure/erosion. However, 1 patient developed a grade 2 cystocele, and another developed new-onset urinary incontinence, both after 1 year. A third patient’s urine leakage did not improve postoperatively. Lastly, a fourth patient developed port site incisional hernia and underwent repair 5 months later. ConclusionOur study suggests that barbed delayed absorbable sutures are safe and effective in RCS procedures over 1 year. Larger, comparative, and randomized trials are recommended for definitive conclusions.