Journal List > Korean J Urol > v.47(12) > 1069806

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Lim, Rho, and Kim: Complications of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Surgery
Original Article
Korean Journal of Urology

Korean Journal of Urology 2006; 47(12): 1294-1301.

Published online: 31 December 2006

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4111/kju.2006.47.12.1294

Complications of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Surgery

Dong Hoon Lim, Joon Rho, Chul Sung Kim

Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.

Corresponding author (cskim@chosun.ac.kr)

Received 9 June 2006       Accepted 12 October 2006

Copyright © 2006 The Korean Urological Association

Abstract

Purpose

Laparoscopic surgery is known to be safe and have low morbidity. Herein, all the complications of retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedures were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

A total of 120 retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgeries were performed between January 2002 and December 2005. Every abnormal event was investigated retrospectively, and classified in detail according to the surgical steps and severity.

Results

The complication ratio (total complications/total surgeries) was 0.38 (46/120). Open conversion was performed in 5 (4.2%). A transfusion was performed in 8 (6.7%) patients. 5 patients (4.2%) had neuromuscular problem related to position and 9 (7.5%) had access and insufflation related complications, including subcutaneous emphysema, abdominal wall hemorrhage, pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. The intraoperative complications (5.8%) included peritoneal tearing, vascular injury and diaphragmatic injury. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients (20.8%), including pleural effusion, atelectasis/pulmonary infiltrate, wound dehiscence, paralytic ileus, retroperitoneal hematoma and urine leakage. 5 complications (4.2%) were classified as being major; main vascular injury (1.7%), urine leakage (1.7%) and diaphragmatic injury (0.8%). No serious complications, such as death, bowel injury, deep vein thrombosis, with pulmonary embolism, or gas embolism occurred. Other complications (41/46) were minor and managed conservatively, without any problem.

Conclusions

The most common complications of retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery seem to occur during the postoperative period, and are nonspecific to retroperitoneoscopy. Most complications are subclinical problems, which can be managed by conservative treatment. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery is a safe procedure, with a low potential for complications.

Keywords: Complications, Laparoscopy, Retroperitoneal space

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Demographic and operative data
kju-47-1294-i001

RNT: radical nephrectomy, NT: nephrectomy, CT: renal cystectomy, NUT: nephroureterectomy, UL: ureterolithotomy, PP: pyeloplasty, AT: adrenalectomy, DT: renal diverticulectomy

Table 2
Characteristics of open conversions
kju-47-1294-i002
Table 3
Type and incidence of complications according to the retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedural step
kju-47-1294-i003

RNT: radical nephrectomy, NT: nephrectomy, CT: renal cystectomy, NUT: nephroureterectomy, UL: ureterolithotomy, PP: pyeloplasty, AT: adrenalectomy, DT: renal diverticulectomy

Table 4
Type and management of complications, with their associated severity
kju-47-1294-i004

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