Port-site metastasis in laparoscopic gynecological oncology surgery: An overview

Abstract

Despite the low frequency, port-site metastases are associated with poor outcomes in patients and account for significant patient morbidity. They remain a challenging complication of laparoscopic procedures for gynecologic malignancies. A comprehensive, systematic search for published studies was conducted using the PubMed databases. Various mechanisms of port-site metastases are addressed in the relevant literature. The review of the articles points out that in the development of port-site metastases, the major role is played by biologically aggressive diseases, tumor manipulation, wound contamination, and surgery-related factors. The advantages of laparoscopic oncologic surgery are unquestionable. Further investigations of the mechanisms of port-site metastasis would contribute to the prevention of this insidious pathology.