Surgical complications of laparoscopic urological surgery

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence, identification and management of common intraoperative complications, including vascular, urological, bowel and visceral complications, of laparoscopic urological surgery. METHODS: We searched the databases of PubMed and Medline for relevant English language reports, using the keywords ‘laparoscopy’, ‘urologic’ and ‘complication’. RESULTS: The search yielded 967 papers in all, and a review of these yielded a total of 42 relevant papers. CONCLUSION: Despite its advantages, laparoscopic urological surgery is associated with complications having rates as high as 22%. As surgical volumes increase, the incidence and magnitude of complications have increased progressively. Meticulous surgical technique, surgeon experience, and a high degree of suspicion are necessary throughout the surgical endeavour. The intraoperative recognition and management of complications is mandatory.