Laparoscopy: basic technique, instrumentation, and complications

Laparoscopy has been an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality in gynecology for several decades. Recently, general surgeons and urologists have adopted laparoscopy to treat many disorders that formerly required an open laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery requires additional instrumentation and skills as well as familiarity with a number of operative complications unique to laparoscopy. This overview discusses the basic equipment and instrumentation of laparoscopy and describes its possible associated complications.