[Laparoscopic surgery complications in a reproductive biology service].

BACKGROUND

Poor report of difficulties in using laparoscopic technique has limited the knowledge of its advantages and disadvantages.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate complications in patients treated with laparoscopic surgical procedures in a biologic reproductive service,

METHODS

Retrospective study in 525 patients treated with conventional laparoscopy due to any gynecological procedure. All pre- and post-operative variables were considered.

RESULTS

There were 16 (3%) complications within the 525 patients studied: six (37.5%) cases with uterine perforation, three (18.8%) with wall bleeding, and two (12.5%) with subcutaneous emphysema. The rest of complications (31.2%) were: post-puncture headache (1), anaphylactic reaction (1), perirectal serous laceration (1), anexial hematoma (1), and ovarian vessels bleeding (1). There was a case of wall hematoma and another with ovarian vessels injury that required a second intervention. Patient with anaphylactic shock required intensive care attention and mechanic ventilation. Mean physicians years of experience were 12 +/- 7 (1 to 20 years). During the period of time of the study there were no dead due to gynecologic laparoscopic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Gynecological surgical laparoscopy is a viable alternative to traditional surgery due to less postoperative pain, minimal hospital stay, fast recovery, and better esthetic results and less infectious morbidity.