[Complications of diagnostic laparoscopy].
OBJECTIVE
The frequency of diagnostic laparoscopy performed by internists has increased for several years once again -- especially performed as minilaparoscopy. A determination of the value of diagnostic laparoscopy is possible only with knowledge of the complication rate.


METHODS
We reviewed a consecutive series of 675 laparoscopies (422male, 253 female, age 15 - 85 ) from 1996 to 2003 in our clinic. Possible risk factors for complications were analyzed.


RESULTS
Minor complications occurred in 35/675 (5,2 %) laparoscopies, major complications in 8/675 (1,1 %) laparoscopies. There was no significant difference between conventional and minilaparoscopies. The existence of Child C cirrhosis was the only significiant risk factor identified for the occurrence of a major complication.


CONCLUSIONS
Both conventional and minilaparoscopy have an acceptable rate of complications. When Child C cirrhosis is present, laparoscopy should be restricted to very few patients, as the complication rate is elevated in this condition.
Weickert
U
U
Medizinische Klinik C, Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen gGmbH. weickeru@klilu.de
Jakobs
R
R
Siegel
E
E
Eickhoff
A
A
Schilling
D
D
Riemann
J F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors