Laparoscopic entry techniques and complications.
OBJECTIVE
To identify laparoscopic entry techniques employed by gynecologists in the United Kingdom to determine if the consensus technique is adhered to, and to observe whether entry technique affects complication rate.


METHODS
An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to gynecologists with an interest in laparoscopic surgery in the United Kingdom.


RESULTS
At total of 568 questionnaires were sent and 345 (60.7%) were returned. Of gynecologists who returned the questionnaire 194 (57%) reported occurrence of a major bowel or vascular complication. In terms of the key elements of the consensus document there was no significant difference in entry technique used between those that reported major injury (vascular, bowel, or both), and those that did not.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey demonstrates the variation in entry techniques used by gynecologists in the United Kingdom. Without a good evidence-base to the contrary no entry technique can be stated as safer than another.
Ahmad
G
G
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley, UK. gaityahmad@hotmail.com
Duffy
J M N
JM
Watson
A J S
AJ
D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000293:injuries; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom