Port site metastasis and tumor seeding in oncologic laparoscopic urology

Abstract

Tumor seeding and port site metastasis remain a valid concern during laparoscopic procedures for urologic malignancies. A systematic review of all cases reported in published studies was performed. A MEDLINE search identified 17 English studies reporting a total of 29 cases of port site metastasis or tumor seeding secondary to urologic laparoscopic procedures in the past 20 years. Many factors contribute to port site metastases and tumor seeding. Nevertheless, we believe that only proper preoperative criteria, along with cautious intraoperative judgment, will keep port site metastasis to a minimum in the future.