The advantages of the laparoscopic approach for surgical procedures include reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, rapid return to normal activities, and significant cost savings. This has led to performing more extensive procedures in older and sicker patients with significant coexisting cardiopulmonary disease. However, these procedures present new potentially life-threatening complications that are usually not seen with the traditional “open” approach. It therefore is important that the benefits of laparoscopic procedures are weighed against potential complications. Awareness of these potential complications and knowledge of their management should prevent mortality and reduce morbidity, thus improving patient care and safety.<sup>10 Capelouto C.C., Kavoussi L.R. Complications of laparoscopic surgery Urology 1993 ;  42 : 2  [cross-ref]

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références, 24 Deziel D.J. Avoiding laparoscopic complications Int Surg 1994 ;  79 : 361

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références, 27 Dubelman A. Complications of laparoscopic surgery: Surgical and anesthetic considerations Semin Laparosc Surg 1994 ;  1 : 219

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références, 52 Joshi G.P. Abdominal surgery Complications in Anesthesiology St. Louis: Mosby–Year Book (1999).  577

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références, 70 Nord H.J. Complications of laparoscopy Endoscopy 1992 ;  24 : 693  [cross-ref]

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références, 78 Ponsky J.L. Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy Am J Surg 1991 ;  161 : 393  [cross-ref]

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références</sup>

The complications unique to laparoscopic surgery include those related to creation of pneumoperitoneum, patient positioning, and surgical instrumentation. Intraperitoneal carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation and changes in patient positioning during laparoscopic surgery have several hemodynamic, pulmonary, and endocrine consequences. In addition, several surgical complications, including subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, gas embolization, acute hemorrhage, and bowel or bladder perforation, can occur during the laparoscopic procedure. Postoperative complications include pain, nausea, vomiting, pulmonary impairment, wound infection, peritonitis, delayed hemorrhage, incisional hernia, and metastases at the trocar insertion sites. The hemodynamic and pulmonary changes during laparoscopy are discussed in the article by O'Malley and Cunningham, whereas postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting are discussed by Smith. This article emphasizes the complications associated with surgical instrumentation.