[Analysis of 35,013 gynecologic laparoscopies (East German survey). 1]

Statistic from 81 women hospitals in which a total of 35,013 laparoscopies had been made figures were collected by means of questionnaires (inquiry forms). The largest increase of laparoscopies (56.2%) could be found since 1980. Results showed that in 48 hospitals (59.3%) less than 50 laparoscopies were made per year. In all hospitals laparoscopy was performed under clinical conditions by the gynaecologist, mainly using endotracheal anesthesia (96.3%). 20 hospitals (24.7%) are able to perform laparoscopies in the day-time only. More than 90% of the questioned ones regarded thoracic roentgenogram, electrocardiogram as well as urine examination and hemoglobin determination as sufficient pre-examinations. 70.4% of the questioned hospitals demand a written confirmation that before the operation was carried out appropriate instructions had been given. The technical performance of laparoscopy corresponds to today's usual practice. For the pneumoperitoneum, for which 51.8% of the hospitals use an automatic system, CO2 (6.7%) is preferred. Patients are dismissed from hospital on 1st (19.8%), 2nd (50.6%) or 3rd day after the operation and later in 29.5% of the cases. Women are unable to work for an average of eight days following laparoscopy.