Complications of Operative Gynecological Laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence and type of laparoscopic complications. METHODS A series of 2140 operative laparoscopies were reviewed in a retrospective study of patient records. The setting was a tertiary-care university hospital. Operative laparoscopy included minor procedures (minimal adhesiolysis, destruction of minimal endometriosis foci, ovarian biopsy, ovarian puncture, tubal sterilization), major laparoscopic surgery (extended adhesiolysis, tuboplasties, uterine suspension, treatment for ectopic pregnancy, salpingitis, ovarian cyst, moderate and severe endometriosis), and advanced laparoscopic surgery (hysterectomy, myomectomy, bladder neck suspension). RESULTS Two major vascular complications, 3 intestinal injuries, 1 anesthesiological complication, and 4 urinary tract injuries occurred. Two minor and 5 postoperative complications were noted. The overall complication rate was 17/2140 (0.79%). The major complication rate was 10/2140 (0.46%). CONCLUSIONS This review is useful for helping surgeons reduce the risk of injuries and to inform patients about potential complications. These rates are similar to those that have been previously reported.