title: Recognition and prevention of gastric injury during gynecologic laparoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopy has become an essential tool for the gynecologist. Its use has dramatically increased, in part, because of technological advances, but also because of well-documented advantages over laparotomy in particular scenarios. Immediate recognition of a complication is essential for reducing morbidity and potential mortality. We report an inadvertent gastric injury during a diagnostic laparoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 36-year-old woman sustained a gastric perforation during the insertion of an umbilical 5-mm trocar. After the injury was recognized, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, and primary repair of the defect was performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gastric injury is a rare complication of gynecologic laparoscopy. Identification of risk factors, the use of a nasogastric or orogastric tube to relieve any gastric dilatation before initiation of the procedure, and proper surgical technique may minimize such injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA 19000, USA. jmateus@amh.org
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mateus
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pezzi
authors.forename: Stephen G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Somkuti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013270:Stomach / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D013537:Sutures; D017211:Treatment Failure