Prevention and management of complications in urological laparoscopic port site placement.
OBJECTIVE
To review complications associated with urological laparoscopic port-site placement and outline techniques for their prevention and management.


METHODS
Review of the literature using Medline.


RESULTS
Laparoscopy now plays a key role in urological surgery. Its applications are expanding with experience and evolving data confirming equivalent long-term outcome. Although significant port-site complications are uncommon, their occurrence impacts significantly on perioperative morbidity and rate of recovery. The incidence of such complications is inversely related to surgeon experience. Ports now utilise bladeless tips to reduce the incidence of vascular and visceral injuries, and subsequently port-site herniation. Metastases occurring at the port site are preventable by adhering to certain measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Whether performing standard or robot-assisted laparoscopy, port-site creation and maintenance is critical in ensuring minimal invasiveness in laparoscopic urological surgery. Although patient factors can be optimised perioperatively and port design continues to improve, it is clear that adequate training is central in the prevention, early recognition, and treatment of complications related to laparoscopic access.
Pemberton
Richard J
RJ
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia.
Tolley
David A
DA
van Velthoven
Roland F
RF
D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014572:Urology