title: Gynaecological laparoscopy deaths in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the incidence and clinical features of laparoscopic gynaecological deaths in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gynaecological laparoscopic mortality data were obtained from the National Coronial Information Systems (NCIS) and Australian State Coroners Courts, for the period July 1 2000 to December 31 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen deaths were identified, providing a mortality rate of approximately 1 per 70,000 laparoscopic procedures. The commonest cause of death was from bowel perforation, most of which were unrecognised during the operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gynaecologists should be trained to recognise and manage the rare event of laparoscopic perforation of a viscus or a blood vessel.
authors.affiliation: Former Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Hamilton, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lawson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D002423:Cause of Death; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: bowel perforation; laparoscopy deaths; vascular accident