Laparoscopic Complications: Risk Factors

Abstract

This study was designed to describe various laparoscopic complications in relation to different risk factors. For this purpose a prospective one year study was conducted on all patients admitted for diagnostic as well as operative laparoscopy at unit- II. Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore complication was defined as an unexpected or unplanned event requiring intra operative or post-operative intervention. Complications were classified as approach and technique related. Indications of laparoscopy, its complications and associated risks factors were noted. Total 115 patients underwent laparoscopy, 106 were diagnostic and 9 were for operative procedures. Previous laparotomy was encountered as main risk factor. Most complications occurred during operative laparoscopy. Overall rate of complications were 5.2%, 3.7% for diagnostic and 22.2% for operative laparoscopy. Major complications occurred during adhesiolysis mostly related to laparoscopic approach. There is no doubt that operative laparoscopic procedure are still hazardous but incidence of complications can be decreased by more supervised training during learning of laparoscopic technique, being aware of risk factors and proper patient selection. Laparoscopic approach can also be ultrasound guided in patient with previous laparotomy.