Port-site metastases following laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopy for malignancy resection has been followed by description of me tastatic laparoscopic port sites. Recently published clinical, experimental studies and case reports related to this problem are reviewed. Frequency o f port-site metastases for gallbladder, colorectal and ovarian cancers seem to differ. Ascites and staging during laparoscopy are probably risk factor s for port-site metastases. Clinical presentations of port-site metastases are exposed and experimental studies show that pneumoperitoneum, nature of gas as well as local factors were probably implicated. Hypothetical mechani sms of port-site metastases are discussed; it is likely that the aetiology are multifunctional. Preventive strategies of port-site metastases are prop osed. Further research in this area is necessary to understand mechanisms o f port-site metastases.