Translational Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

Delayed Port Site Abscess After Laparoscopic Colectomy Mimicking Port Site Recurrence

Tanaka T, Nishikawa T, Tanaka J, Kiyomatsu T, Hata K, Kawai K, Nozawa H, Kazama S, Yamaguchi H, Ishihara S, Sunami E and Watanabe T

A 72-year-old man presented with persistent pain at the port site at the right lower abdomen 3 months after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. His serum CEA, CA19-9, and C-reactive protein levels were within normal limits. Computed tomography revealed an irregular capsulized subcutaneous mass in the right lower quadrant. To arrive at a differential diagnosis of port site abscess or port site recurrence, we biopsied the lesion. Pathological examination showed granulomatous inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, suggesting abscess of the port site. Delayed port site abscess after laparoscopic colorectal resection is a rare clinical manifestation and sometimes difficult to discriminate from port site recurrence. Therefore, complete resection by securing an adequate surgical margin is essential to prevent in case definitive preoperative diagnosis is not obtained.