Complications of Multipuncture Laparoscopic Surgery

We analyzed the complications that occurred in 1813 laparoscopic operations performed in our institution from August 1989 to August 1995. The patients' mean age was 39.3 ± 8.5 years and mean parity was 1.5 ± 1.2. The most common indication for operative laparoscopy was uterine myomas (45.8%). After the procedure, 87 women (4.8%) developed complications. The most common was subcutaneous emphysema (42, 48.3%). Other complications were unintended laparotomies, 16 (18.4%); urinary complications, 11 (12.6%); and vascular injuries, 9 (10.3%). Understanding these complications and determining how to avoid them is the only way to reduce their frequency. Prompt recognition and treatment of complications results in the most favorable outcome.