Previous abdominal surgery and closed entry for gynaecological laparoscopy: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the morbidity from closed laparoscopic access and define the role of previous surgery on the occurrence of these complications.


METHODS
We prospectively recorded data on all laparoscopic procedures between January 2000 and January 2001. We compared results from patients without previous abdominal surgery (group I) with patients with prior abdominal surgery (group II). The insertion site for the Verres needle was trans-umbilical for patients in group I and in the left upper quadrant for patients in group II.


METHODS
Gynaecology department of a University Hospital.


METHODS
All laparoscopic procedures between January 2000 and January 2001.


METHODS
We compared results from patients without previous abdominal surgery (group I) with patients with prior abdominal surgery (group II). The insertion site for the Verres needle was trans-umbilical for patients in group I and the left upper quadrant for patients in group II.


RESULTS
Four hundred and seventy-seven laparoscopies were carried out during the study period, 368 women without previous surgery were included in group I, and 109 women were included in group II. We recorded 1 complication (overall complication rate of 0.2% and 31 incidents (6.4%). One complication (small bowel injury) was related to the insertion of the Verres needle (0.2%). The incidents and complications occurred only in group II (P < 0.05). All the complications were treated by laparoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
The complication rate of the entry step is low in gynaecological laparoscopy. A previous history of laparotomy increases the risk of these complications and incidents. Safety rules and other access method should be investigated for these patients.
Rafii
Arash
A
Service de Gynécologie, Hôspital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France.
Camatte
Sophie
S
Lelièvre
Loïc
L
Daraï
Emile
E
Lécuru
Fabrice
F
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009339:Needles; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation / Q000009:adverse effects