Smoking History and the Development of Incisional Umbilical Hernia After Laparoscopic and Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Cholecystectomy

The aim of this study was to analyze umbilical hernia occurrences in patients who underwent laparoscopic or laparoendoscopic single-sight (LESS) cholecystectomy. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2020 were surveyed. Data are presented as median (mean +/− standard deviation). Two hundred and fifty-three patients were sent the survey and 130 (51%) patients responded. The overall age was 57 (31 +/− 18) and the overall BMI was 30 (31 +/− 7). Twelve (9%) patients developed an umbilical hernia. Seventeen patients were active smokers and four (24%) developed an umbilical hernia. One hundred and thirteen patients were inactive smokers and eight (7%) developed an umbilical hernia. There was a statistical significance between umbilical hernia occurrence and smoking history (P < .05). Active smokers have a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia following a minimally invasive cholecystectomy, regardless of operative approach. Elective cholecystectomy should be reconsidered for current smokers.