Surgical complications of laparoscopic urological surgery

ObjectivesTo describe the incidence, identification and management of common intraoperative complications, including vascular, urological, bowel and visceral complications, of laparoscopic urological surgery.MethodsWe searched the databases of PubMed and Medline for relevant English language reports, using the keywords ‘laparoscopy’, ‘urologic’ and ‘complication’.ResultsThe search yielded 967 papers in all, and a review of these yielded a total of 42 relevant papers.ConclusionDespite 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.