Korean J Urol.  2006 Dec;47(12):1294-1301. 10.4111/kju.2006.47.12.1294.

Complications of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Surgery

• Lim DH
• Rho J
• Kim CS

• KMID: 2139774
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/kju.2006.47.12.1294

Abstract

PURPOSE
Laparoscopic surgery is known to be safe and have low morbidity. Herein, all the complications of retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedures were evaluated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 120 retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgeries were performed between January 2002 and December 2005. Every abnormal event was investigated retrospectively, and classified in detail according to the surgical steps and severity.
RESULTS
The complication ratio (total complications/total surgeries) was 0.38 (46/120). Open conversion was performed in 5 (4.2%). A transfusion was performed in 8 (6.7%) patients. 5 patients (4.2%) had neuromuscular problem related to position and 9 (7.5%) had access and insufflation related complications, including subcutaneous emphysema, abdominal wall hemorrhage, pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. The intraoperative complications (5.8%) included peritoneal tearing, vascular injury and diaphragmatic injury. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients (20.8%), including pleural effusion, atelectasis/pulmonary infiltrate, wound dehiscence, paralytic ileus, retroperitoneal hematoma and urine leakage. 5 complications (4.2%) were classified as being major; main vascular injury (1.7%), urine leakage (1.7%) and diaphragmatic injury (0.8%). No serious complications, such as death, bowel injury, deep vein thrombosis, with pulmonary embolism, or gas embolism occurred. Other complications (41/46) were minor and managed conservatively, without any problem.
CONCLUSIONS
The most common complications of retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery seem to occur during the postoperative period, and are nonspecific to retroperitoneoscopy. Most complications are subclinical problems, which can be managed by conservative treatment. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery is a safe procedure, with a low potential for complications.

Keyword

Complications; Laparoscopy; Retroperitoneal space

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Wall
Embolism, Air
Hematoma
Hemorrhage
Humans
Insufflation
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
Intraoperative Complications
Laparoscopy*
Mediastinal Emphysema
Pleural Effusion
Pneumothorax
Postoperative Complications
Postoperative Period
Pulmonary Embolism
Retroperitoneal Space
Retrospective Studies
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Vascular System Injuries
Venous Thrombosis
Wounds and Injuries

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