Open Laparoscopic Access Technique: Review of 2010 Patients

OBJECTIVE: We assessed safety and efficacy of an open laparoscopic entry technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing laparoscopy via open laparoscopic access over an 8-year period from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2006 is presented. RESULTS: During the study period, 2010 consecutive subjects underwent laparoscopy. Recorded intraoperative complications include enterotomy (0.1%) and failure to enter (0.1%). There were no instances of vascular injury related to entry. Recorded postoperative complications include hernia (0.9%), infection (2.5%), hematoma (0.05%), and noncosmetic healing (0.4%). A statistically significant association existed between obesity and postoperative hernia, and between previous abdominal surgery and postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: Though typically straightforward, initial entry is one of the most common causes of injury in laparoscopy. The predominant entry method of entry in gynecologic surgery remains a closed technique. This technique has unfortunately been demonstrated in multiple series to have the potential for visceral and vascular injury due to its blind insertion of Veress needles and trocars. The open laparoscopic technique is a safe and effective method of obtaining access to the abdominal cavity with no associated vascular injury.