Citation

Park MH, Mehran A. JSLS 2012; 16(3): 485-487.

Affiliation

Section for Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012)

DOI

10.4293/108680812X13462882736051

PMID

23318080

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Body piercing has become increasingly popular throughout the world and may cause unanticipated complications during surgery. METHODS: We describe the case of a 35-y-old woman with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for metastatic disease evaluation. RESULTS: An early intestinal injury occurred upon abdominal entry and introduction of pneumoperitoneum. The injury was secondary to a single adhesion between the abdominal wall and small bowel caused by a previous umbilical piercing. CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical piercing can lead to unanticipated intraoperative complications even if it is removed prior to surgery. Surgeons performing laparoscopy should be aware of potential pitfalls associated with these art forms.

Language: en