Intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal complications associated with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy

This study aimed to quantify the risks of intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) complications associated with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and identify possible risk factors.

A total of 390 medical records were retrospectively reviewed for GI complications. Complications were classified as functional complications [ileus, small bowel obstruction (SBO), and prolonged nausea/emesis] or bowel injury. Nausea/emesis was considered prolonged if these symptoms resulted in a hospital stay of greater than 48 hours, or in readmission.

Functional GI complications included 1 ileus, 3 SBOs, and 3 cases of prolonged nausea/emesis. The combined rate for ileus and SBO was 1.0% and the rate of prolonged nausea/emesis was 0.8%. Functional GI complications were associated with prior abdominal surgery (P = 0.048), but there were no differences in age, body mass index, estimated blood loss, or operative time.There were 3 small bowel and 2 rectal injuries for a bowel injury rate of 1.3%. Bowel injury was not associated with prior abdominal surgery (P = 0.071), age, body mass index, estimated blood loss, or operative time. The total reoperation rate for SBO or bowel injury was 0.8%.

The rates of GI complications in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy are low. Prior abdominal surgery was associated with an increased risk of functional GI complications, but not bowel injury. This information should assist surgeons with preoperative patient counseling.