Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer: long-term results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted laparoscopy has become a widely and increasingly used modality of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Due to its technical advantages, robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery offers benefits, such as a lower rate of conversions compared to conventional laparoscopy. Yet, data on long-term oncological outcomes after robotic-assisted laparoscopy is scarce and based on retrospective cohort studies only. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess overall survival, progression-free survival, and long-term surgical complications in patients with endometrial cancer randomly assigned to robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Tampere University Hospital, Finland. Between 2010 and 2013, 101 patients with low-grade endometrial cancer scheduled for minimally invasive surgery were randomized preoperatively 1:1 either to robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopy. All patients underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy. A total of 97 patients (49 in the robotic-assisted laparoscopy group and 48 in the conventional laparoscopy group) were followed up for a minimum of 10 years. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard models. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors for trocar site hernia. RESULTS: In the multivariable regression analysis, overall survival was favorable in the robotic-assisted group (hazard ratio 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.99, P=.047) compared to the conventional laparoscopy group. There was no difference in progression-free survival (log-rank test, P=.598). The 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival were 98.0% (95% CI, 94.0-100) vs 97.9% (93.8-100), 91.8% (84.2-99.4) vs 93.7% (86.8-100), and 75.5% (64.5-87.5) vs 85.4% (75.4-95.4) for the conventional laparoscopy and the robotic-assisted groups, respectively. Trocar site hernia developed more often for the robotic-assisted group compared to the conventional laparoscopy group 18.2% vs 4.1% (odds ratio 5.42, 95% CI, 1.11-26.59, P=.028). The incidence of lymphocele, lymphedema, or other long-term complications did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this randomized controlled trial suggest a minor overall survival benefit in endometrial cancer after robotic-assisted laparoscopy compared to conventional laparoscopy. Hence, the use of robotic-assisted technique in the treatment of endometrial cancer seems safe, though larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm any potential survival benefit. No alarming safety signals were detected in the robotic-assisted group since the rate of long-term complications differed only in the incidence of trocar site hernia.

Trocar-site Herniation after Laparoscopic Myomectomy via Culdotomy Extraction.

Trocar-site hernia is a rare and life-threatening complication of laparoscopic abdominal surgery; 5-mm trocar-site bowel herniation is rarer than ≥ 10-mm trocar-site herniation. We present a 41-year-old female patient on the postoperative 6th day with laparoscopic myomectomy admitted to our emergency department with severe vomiting and nausea. At the end of the evaluations, she was diagnosed with 5-mm trocar-site small bowel herniation. A herniated small bowel segment was rescued through the laparotomy. After full recovery, the patient was discharged on the 3rd day of hospitalization. Although there is no consensus on the closure of small fascia incisions (<10 mm) routinely, we suggest that all fascia incisions should be assessed in patients at risk to prevent trocar-site hernias. According to our investigation for trocar-site hernia in the literature, laparoscopic myomectomy may be considered a risk factor.

Robotic 8-mm trocar fascial wounds: To close or not to close?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate 8-mm robotic trocar site hernia (TSH) rate over the short and long term, providing aids to manage the related fascial wounds. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 320 patients undergoing robotic surgery was conducted. The primary outcome was 8-mm TSH rate with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The secondary outcome was the rate of haematomas and infections related to 8-mm wounds and their association with patient comorbidities and trocar position. RESULTS: One case of TSH was observed (0.31%). There were 15 cases of wound infection (4.68%) and 22 cases of wound haematoma (6.87%). Trocar related complications were significantly associated with patient comorbidities, not with trocar position. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not justify the 8-mm fascial wound closure. Data concerning the association between trocar-related complications and patient comorbidities strengthen the need to implement the control of metabolic state and correct administration of perioperative therapy in high-risk patients.

Does the angle of trocar insertion affect the fascial defect caused? A porcine model.

INTRODUCTION: With an incidence of 0-5.2%, trocar site hernias frequently occur following laparoscopy. It is unclear to what extent the angle of trocar insertion affects the size of the fascial defect caused. Hence, we performed a porcine model. METHODS: In October 2022, a total of five female pigs were euthanized. In alternating order, three bladeless and two bladed conical 12-mm trocars were inserted at an angle of 45° on each side for 60 min twice each pig. For this purpose, an epoxy resin handmade cuboid with a central channel that runs at an angle of 45° was used. Subsequently, photo imaging and defect size measurement took place. The results were compared with those of our previously conducted and published porcine model, in which the trocars were inserted at an angle of 90°. Effects of trocar type (bladed vs. bladeless) and angle on defect size were analyzed using a mixed model regression analysis. RESULTS: The bladeless trocars caused statistically significant smaller defects at the fascia than the bladed (23.4 (SD = 16.9) mm2 vs. 41.3 (SD = 14.8) mm2, p < 0.001). The bladeless VersaOne trocar caused the smallest defect of 16.0 (SD = 6.1) mm2. The bladed VersaOne trocar caused the largest defect of 47.7 (SD = 10.5) mm2. The defect size of the trocars used at a 45° angle averaged 30.5 (SD = 18.3) mm2. The defect size of trocars used at a 90° angle was significantly larger, averaging 58.3 (SD = 20.2) mm2 (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: When conical 12-mm trocars are inserted at a 45° angle, especially bladeless ones, they appear to cause small fascial defects compared with insertion at a 90° angle. This might lead also to a lower rate of trocar hernias. Bladeless trocars might cause smaller fascial defects than bladed trocars.

Trocar Entry Site Hernias in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction There is insufficient data regarding trocar access site hernias (TSH) in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This retrospective study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for hernia development in patients who did not undergo fascia repair at trocar entry sites. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 284 patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG between January 2016 and December 2021. The fascia of the trocar entry site was not closed in any of the patients. Weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), comorbidities, and the occurrence of complications were recorded at one, six, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Ultrasonography (USG) was performed and supplemented with computed tomography (CT) when necessary. Results All patients underwent a 24-month follow-up, during which four patients developed trocar site hernias, resulting in an overall prevalence of 1.4%. Of the total hernias, two occurred within the first 30 days. A single patient required surgical intervention for an incarcerated hernia on the 18th day. Before undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the mean weight and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were 124.2 ± 16.7 kg and 43.4 ± 5.7 kg/m², respectively. After one year, the participants experienced a mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) of 77.1 ± 12.2% and a mean total weight loss (TWL) of 33.2 ± 6.2%. Hernia formation has been found to be associated with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and female gender. Conclusion In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), repair of the trocar port closure is not always necessary. The rates of hernia at port entry sites were similar between cases with and without fascial repair.

Port Site Obstructed Hernia in a Morbidly Obese Patient: A Case Report.

Indications for laparoscopic surgeries are increasing in the current era in view of the advantages they offer in terms of less perioperative morbidities, early mobilization, and better cosmesis. These benefits are perceived even more in obese women. However, there are special challenges in this population, associated with their body habitus, poor visibility, and perioperative anesthesia risks. Difficulty in port closure is one such problem encountered in these women causing inadequate rectus suturing and leading to port site hernia. We report a case of a 59-year-old morbidly obese lady who underwent a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymph node dissection for carcinoma endometrium. The intraoperative course was uneventful. In the postoperative period, she developed acute obstruction due to port site herniation of the small bowel, which was not suspected till postoperative day five. This was due to an inaccurate assessment of her abdomen because of her body habitus. A CT scan was done in view of the non-resolving obstruction, which revealed herniation of a small bowel loop through the umbilical port. Immediate correction was resorted to under local anesthesia. Rectus sheath closure was done in the same sitting. The patient had a quick recovery after that and was discharged three days later. Rectus sheath closure should be done for all ports 10 mm or greater in diameter. There should be a low threshold to get cross-sectional imaging in postoperative obese women with non-resolving gastrointestinal symptoms.

Is fascial closure required for a 12-mm trocar? A comparative study on trocar site hernia with long-term follow up.

BACKGROUND: Despite the infrequency of trocar site hernias (TSHs), fascial closure continues to be recommended for their prevention when using a ≥ 10-mm trocar. AIM: To identify the necessity of fascial closure for a 12-mm nonbladed trocar incision in minimally invasive colorectal surgeries. METHODS: Between July 2010 and December 2018, all patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal surgery at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit of Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent cross-sectional imaging for TSH assessment. Clinicopathological characteristics were recorded. Incidence rates of TSH and postoperative results were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 254 patients included, 70 (111 ports) were in the fascial closure (closed) group and 184 (279 ports) were in the nonfascial closure (open) group. The median follow up duration was 43 mo. During follow up, three patients in the open group developed TSHs, whereas none in the closed group developed the condition (1.1% vs 0%, P = 0.561). All TSHs occurred in the right lower abdomen. Patients whose drains were placed through the same incision had higher rates of TSHs compared with those without the drain. The open group had a significantly shorter operative time and lower blood loss than the closed group. CONCLUSION: Routine performance of fascial closure when using a 12-mm nonbladed trocar may not be needed. However, further prospective studies with cross-sectional imaging follow-up and larger sample size are needed to confirm this finding.

Umbilical Fascial Defects are Common and Predict Trocar Site Hernias After Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Investigations have demonstrated that trocar site hernia (TSH) is an under-appreciated complication of laparoscopic surgery, occurring in as many as 31%. We determined the incidence of fascial defects prior to laparoscopic appendectomy and its impact relative to other risk factors upon the development of TSH. METHODS: TSH was defined as a fascial separation of ≥ 1 cm in the abdominal wall umbilical region on abdominal computerized tomography scan (CT) following laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients admitted to our medical center who had both a preoperative CT and postoperative CT for any reason (greater than 30 days after surgery) were reviewed for the presence of TSH from May 2010 to December 2018. CT scans were measured for fascial defects, while investigators were blinded to film timing (preoperative or postoperative) and patient identity. Demographic information was collected. RESULTS: 241 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy had both preoperative and late postoperative CT. TSH was identified in 49 (20.3%) patients. Mean preoperative fascial gap was 3.3 ± 4.3 mm in those not developing a postoperative hernia versus 14.8 ± 7.3 mm in those with a postoperative hernia (P < .0001). Preoperative fascial defect on CT was predictive of TSH (P < .001, OR = 1.44), with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of .921 (95%CI: .88-.92). Other major risk factors for TSH were: age greater than 59 years (P < .031, OR = 2.48); and obesity, BMI > 30 (P < .012, OR = 2.14). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of trocar site hernia was one in five following laparoscopic appendectomy. The presence of a pre-existing fascial defect, advanced age, and obesity were strong predictors for the development of trocar site hernia.

Management of High Output Enterocutaneous Fistula due to Richter's Hernia After Gastric Bypass: Video Demonstration.

INTRODUCTION: The increase in laparoscopic surgery in patients with obesity increases the incidence of trocar site hernia (TSH). Therefore, TSH represents a risk for the development of Richter's hernia (RH). METHODS: We present the unusual case of a postoperative gastric bypass patient complicated with a high output enterocutaneous fistula through a trocar site wound. RESULTS: The Laparoscopic surgery consists of an RH reduction, enterotomy, and repair of the preperitoneal space. CONCLUSION: RH complicated by high-output enterocutaneous fistula has not been previously reported. It is essential to close the preperitoneal space in bariatric surgery to avoid these complications.

Trocar site hernia after laparoscopy: Early recognition prevents catastrophic sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Trocar site hernia is a rare but potentially serious complication of laparoscopic surgery that may lead to bowel incarceration and strangulation. Prompt diagnosis by emergency physicians facilitates timely intervention that prevents bowel necrosis. We report a case of trocar site hernia presenting to the emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain that was correctly diagnosed and promptly managed. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old woman, gravida 2, abortion 2, underwent outpatient surgery and laparoscopic removal of a ruptured right-sided tubal pregnancy without any intraoperative difficulties. However, 48 h later, she presented to the ED complaining of acute abdominal pain and nausea. Computed tomography revealed a loop of small bowel herniating through a 12-mm right lower quadrant trocar site defect in the fascia. She was taken back to the operating room, where the computed tomography findings were confirmed and the entrapped bowel was successfully reduced and the fascial defect repaired. The patient was discharged home feeling much improved. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Trocar site hernia is a rare but potentially dangerous complication that can present with acute symptoms or be asymptomatic if late in onset. Intestinal necrosis begins as soon as 6 h after constriction of blood flow to entrapped bowel, so timely intervention is critically important. Therefore, trocar site hernias should be considered in patients presenting with abdominal complaints after laparoscopic surgery and included in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction.

Bladed and bladeless conical trocars do not differ in terms of caused fascial defect size in a Porcine Model.

INTRODUCTION: Trocar insertion during laparoscopy may lead to complications such as bleeding, bowel puncture and fascial defects with subsequent trocar site hernias. It is under discussion whether there is a difference in the extent of the trauma and thus in the size of the fascia defect between blunt and sharp trocars. But the level of evidence is low. Hence, we performed a Porcine Model. METHODS: A total of five euthanized female pigs were operated on. The average weight of the animals was 37.85 (Standard deviation SD 1.68) kg. All pigs were aged 90 ± 5 days. In alternating order five different conical 12-mm trocars (3 × bladeless, 2 × bladed) on each side 4 cm lateral of the mammary ridge were placed. One surgeon performed the insertions after conducting a pneumoperitoneum with 12 mmHg using a Verres' needle. The trocars were removed after 60 min. Subsequently, photo imaging took place. Using the GSA Image Analyser (v3.9.6) the respective abdominal wall defect size was measured. RESULTS: The mean fascial defect size was 58.3 (SD 20.2) mm2. Bladed and bladeless trocars did not significant differ in terms of caused fascial defect size [bladed, 56.6 (SD 20) mm2 vs. bladeless, 59.5 (SD 20.6) mm2, p = 0.7]. Without significance the insertion of bladeless trocars led to the largest (Kii Fios™ First entry, APPLIEDMEDICAL©, 69.3 mm2) and smallest defect size (VersaOne™ (COVIDIEN©, 54.1 mm2). CONCLUSION: Bladed and bladeless conical 12-mm trocars do not differ in terms of caused fascial defect size in the Porcine Model at hand. The occurrence of a trocar site hernia might be largely independent from trocar design.

Trocar-site hernia following laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy in a middle-aged Japanese woman: an initial case report after 40 years of experience at a single center and a brief literature review.

BACKGROUND: In gynecology, the number of laparoscopic surgeries performed has increased annually because laparoscopic surgery presents a greater number of advantages from a cosmetic perspective and allows for a less invasive approach than laparotomy. Trocar site hernia (TSH) is a unique complication that causes severe small bowel obstruction and requires emergency surgery. Its use has mainly been reported with respect to gastrointestinal laparoscopy, such as for cholecystectomy. Contrastingly, there have been few reports on gynecologic laparoscopy because common laparoscopic surgeries, such as laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy, are considered low risk due to shorter operative times. In this study, we report on a case of a woman who developed a TSH 5 days postoperatively following a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery that was completed in 34 min. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old woman who had undergone laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy 5 days previously presented with the following features of intestinal obstruction: persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or flatus. A computed tomography scan of her abdomen demonstrated a collapsed small bowel loop that was protruding through the lateral 12-mm port. Emergency surgery confirmed the diagnosis of TSH. The herniated bowel loop was gently replaced onto the pelvic floor and the patient did not require bowel resection. After the surgical procedure, the fascial defect at the lateral port site was closed using 2-0 Vicryl sutures. On the tenth postoperative day, the patient was discharged with no symptom recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The TSH initially presented following laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy; however, the patient did not have common risk factors such as obesity, older age, wound infection, diabetes, and prolonged operative time. There was a possibility that the TSH was caused by excessive manipulation during the tissue removal through the lateral 12-mm port. Thereafter, the peritoneum around the lateral 12-mm port was closed to prevent the hernia, although a consensus around the approach to closure of the port site fascia had not yet been reached. This case demonstrated that significant attention should be paid to the possibility of patients developing TSH. This will ensure the prevention of severe problems through early detection and treatment.

Trocar site hernia after gastric sleeve.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is common in abdominal surgery. Trocar site hernia (TSH) is a most likely underestimated complication. Among risk factors, obesity, the use of larger trocars and the umbilical trocar site has been described. In a previous study, CT scan in the prone position was found to be a reliable method for the detection of TSH following gastric bypass (LRYGB). In the present study, our aim was to examine the incidence of TSH after gastric sleeve, and further to investigate the proportion of symptomatic trocar site hernias. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients subjected to laparoscopic gastric sleeve in 2011-2016 were examined using CT in the prone position upon a ring. Symptoms of TSH were assessed using a digital survey. RESULTS: The incidence of trocar site hernia was 17 out of 79 (21.5%), all at the umbilical trocar site. The mean follow-up time was 37 months. There was no significant correlation between patient symptoms and a TSH. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of TSH is high after laparoscopic gastric sleeve, a finding in line with several recent studies as well as with our first trial on trocar site hernia after LRYGB. Up to follow-up, none of the patients had been subjected to hernia repair. Although the consequence of a trocar site hernia can be serious, the proportion of symptomatic TSH needs to be more clarified.

Incarcerated ventral wall hernia after robotic urogynecologic surgery: A case report.

Trocar site hernia is a rare complication of minimally invasive surgery, with incidence estimates varying widely. Studies have demonstrated rates of up to 1.2% in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. Yet, little is known about hernia risk in the urogynecologic patient population who undergo robotic reconstructive surgery. Risk factors for the development of trocar site hernia include both incisional risk factors (trocar placement location, trocar diameter, intraoperative trocar manipulation) and patient risk factors (obesity, pelvic organ prolapse or other hernia). This report presents a case of large incarcerated small bowel hernia at a trocar site following robotic urogynecologic surgery and the resulting interventions, including repeat surgery, to reduce the hernia. This case should prompt urogynecologic surgeons to check port sites after extensive dissections to assess if large peritoneal or fascial defects need additional closure.

The "Flip-Flap" Technique for Laparoscopic Port-Site Closure-Description of a Novel, Cost-Effective Technique with Review of Literature.

Overview Laparoscopic approach has changed the face of surgical care offered to patients. Almost all surgical procedures across specialties are now undertaken by the laparoscopic approach. Closure of port sites to prevent trocar-site hernias (TSHs) forms an integral part of the laparoscopic procedure. TSH is an area of preventable surgical morbidity. We hereby report our technique that is easily applicable, simple, safe, and highly cost-effective. It requires no additional instruments or retractors, is easy to learn, and has a very favorable safety profile. Materials and Methods This prospective case series enrolled a total of 454 port-site closures in 255 patients undergoing different laparoscopic procedures over a period of 2 years. The intraperitoneal tissue forceps were used in the reverse direction to lift the fascia up and a right-angled retractor was used to retract back the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The port-site closure is done under vision and no adverse events were reported. Results This technique was used in 454 port sites in 255 patients. No intraoperative incidents were noted. There is no requirement of any specialized instruments or retractors. No additional tissue trauma or dissection is required. There is no extension of operative time. The technique is simple to learn and easy to teach. No bowel injuries or TSHs were reported during a follow-up of 26 months. Conclusion The described technique is easy, simple, cost-effective, and has a good safety profile.

Five-millimeter Trocar Site Hernia with a Parastomal Hernia Sac: A Case Report.

Here, we report our experience with a 5-mm trocar site hernia (TSH) near a stoma. This is the first report describing the relationship between TSH and extraperitoneal colostomy. A 72-year-old man underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy and partial hepatectomy for rectal cancer accompanied by synchronous liver metastasis (pT3N1aM1a Stage IVA Union for International Cancer Control [UICC] 8th edition). The surgical procedures were completely performed without morbidity. After 1 year, he presented to our hospital with sudden nausea. Computed tomography (CT) revealed small bowel obstruction due to a 5-mm TSH, 1 cm from the stoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic hernia repair. The incidence of a 5-mm TSH is low. However, an abdominal wall vulnerability caused by the extensive exfoliation of the retroperitoneum due to the construction of the colostomy was observed, and the extraperitoneal colostomy influenced the onset of the 5-mm TSH. When the port and hernia sites are located in close proximity to each other, even a 5-mm trocar site may increase the incidence of TSH.

Trocar site hernia resulting in intestinal necrosis 48 hours after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Trocar site hernia is a potentially serious sequela of laparoscopic procedures that may lead to bowel incarceration and strangulation. We report a case of trocar site hernia secondary to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old Japanese man underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy without any intraoperative events; however, a brief dislodgement of a 12-mm AIRSEAL® trocar occurred. Forty-eight hours after the procedure, the patient exhibited coffee ground vomitus. Computed tomography revealed an intestinal prolapse at the 12-mm AIRSEAL® trocar site. He was diagnosed with a strangulated bowel due to trocar site hernia. Following an emergency exploration, 25 cm of gangrenous intestine was resected, and a functional end-to-end anastomosis was performed. CONCLUSION: In this case, brief dislodgement of the AIRSEAL® trocar may have caused severe subcutaneous emphysema and intestinal sucking. In such situations, certain closure of both, the peritoneum and the fascia, is necessary.

The Chennai port closure method: A novel simple technique for laparoscopic port closure.

PURPOSE: Large-size ports used for laparoscopic and robotic procedures will require appropriate closure to reduce the probability of trocar site complications including hematoma and hernia. Closure of these ports is done by various methods like the open method extending skin incisions, S-retractor, Carter Thomason method, and so on. Chennai port closure (CHC) method, a novel technique that had been in practice in our unit for more than 2 years, ensures direct visualization of the suture placement, and hence, the abdominal wall fascia and peritoneum are secured. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We herein describe an easy technique for fascial closure in port size (≥ 10 cm) after minimally invasive surgery, including both laparoscopic and robotic procedures, using a cobbler needle in 151 patients in the study period between February 2017 and March 2020 for various urological procedures. This technique was done before the introduction of the trocar sheath and ensures direct visualization of the abdominal fascial closure. RESULTS: There were no major intraoperative events, additional operating time, and need for any costly instruments. No bowel injuries or trocar site hernias were documented during a mean follow-up of 28 months. Presently, this technique is used by many surgeons in our hospital without much difficulty. CONCLUSION: The Chennai port site closure technique is an effective, simple, easy-to-apply, and safe procedure.