Major complications of operative gynecologic laparoscopy in southern Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
To describe our experience with major complications in gynecologic laparoscopy compared with literature reports.


METHODS
Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).


METHODS
Two regional teaching hospitals in southern Taiwan. Patients. One thousand five hundred seven women.


METHODS
Gynecologic laparoscopy.


RESULTS
The overall number of major complications in 1507 laparoscopies was 24 (1.6%): 6 bladder injuries, 5 bowel injuries, 4 ureteral injuries, 3 cases of delayed vaginal stump bleeding, 2 cases of postoperative ileus, 2 abscesses, 1 vessel injury, and 1 umbilical hernia. Complication rates were analyzed by type of surgery-laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) versus non-LAVH. We correlated clinical outcome with time of recognition and treatment of complications. Our complication rates were similar to those reported in the literature and were not significantly different between LAVH and non-LAVH.


CONCLUSIONS
Early recognition of injuries, preferably intraoperatively, with immediate appropriate treatment is crucial. It is also important to be alert to early manifestations of complications in the postoperative observation period. (J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 8(1):61-67, 2001)
Wu
M P
MP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chi Mei Foundation Hospital, No. 901, Chung Hwa Road, Yung Kang City, Tainan, Taiwan.
Lin
Y S
YS
Chou
C Y
CY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000293:injuries; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013624:Taiwan; D014513:Ureter / Q000293:injuries; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000293:injuries