INCARCERATED HERNIA AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY - A CAUTIONARY TALE

Objective To report a case of an incarcerated hernia after laparoscopi c surgery. To review the literature in order to discuss the risk facto rs for and prevention of incarcerated hernias at laparoscopic trocar w ounds. Case report The patient developed an incarcerated hernia throug h a 12-mm laparoscopic trocar wound and small bowel obstruction follow ing a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. She required a lapar otomy to reduce the hernia. Conclusion Small bowel herniation followin g laparoscopic surgery is rare. As laparoscopic operations become more complicated, the risk of bowel herniation also increases. Awareness o f this condition may prompt prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatmen t.