The incidence of entry-related laparoscopic injuries in Finland

Objective To analyse entry-related laparoscopic complications in Finland. Subjects Data from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register and the National Patient Insurance Association were used. Results 51 entry-related laparoscopic injuries were reported from 1990 through 1996, accounting for 22% of all major laparoscopic complications, the incidence being 0.5/1000 procedures. Of the entry injuries, 57% were bowel injuries, 15% incisional hernias, 12% large-vessel injuries, 10% small-vessel injuries and 6% bladder injuries. Altogether, 92% of the complications were treated by laparotomy. Conclusions Laparoscopic procedures are associated with complications related to laparoscopic access and the operation itself. Safety guidelines should be followed during laparoscopic procedures to reduce the complication risk.