Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in urology: Evaluation of complications

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively review current reports on the complications of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), introduced recently into urology as an option for treating various urological pathologies. METHODS: We reviewed previous reports to August 2011 using Medline, focusing on LESS in urology, with special interest in the complications, evaluating those during and after surgery, as well as conversions to reduced-port laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopy and open surgery. RESULTS: There are increasing reports of LESS in urology, with expanding indications. Complication rates both during and after surgery are low and related mostly to the technical difficulty and dexterity with the currently available instruments. Overall, intraoperative complications were reported by 11 published studies, while postoperative complications were reported by 15. Although the overall conversion rates to open surgery and conventional laparoscopy were low, the incidence of reduced-port laparoscopy was significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are expanding indications for LESS in urology, the risk of complications is low. This might be related to the fact that LESS is still restricted to experienced laparoscopic surgeons, and to the criteria for selecting patients.