Complications of laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is the standard of care for many gynaecological conditions with documented benefits and excellent outcomes for patients and healthcare providers. However, in addition to the general complications associated with surgery and anaesthesia, laparoscopy poses unique complications relating to abdominal entry and surgical instrumentation. Governing bodies, representing both the surgical specialities and gynaecology, have attempted to gain consensus on the safest technique for abdominal entry to no avail. Studies comparing techniques to date are underpowered and the likelihood of high-grade evidence ever becoming available is low due to the prohibitive patient numbers and costs. This review will examine complications of laparoscopy and current recommendations from surgical training organizations for abdominal entry in laparoscopic surgery.