COMPLICATIONS OF LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

Complications may occur at any point of a laparoscopic procedure. To minimize morbidity, careful patient selection and preparation is imperative, while adherence to basic principles of safe access and surgical intervention minimizes the risk of preventable accidents. Knowledge of the potential pitfalls of laparoscopic surgery and their prevention and treatment can improve the patient chances for a good outcome. Close follow-up in the postoperative period will identify problems that have delayed manifestation to allow prompt corrective therapy. Teamwork is important for safe and effective laparoscopic surgery. The anesthesiologist must manage patients under conditions of cardiovascular and respiratory compromise, and must understand the planned surgical procedure and the associated metabolic and physiologic demands. Furthermore, the surgeon, assistant surgeon, and camera holder must work in a coordinated fashion with constant communication of the surgical plan, anticipating and preparing for potential problems. Adherence to the points discussed in this work will increase the chances of performing laparoscopic procedures with minimal complications and morbidity.