Frequently asked questions about complications of laparoscopic surgery

  1. What are the complications of laparoscopic surgery?  Like other surgeries, laparoscopic surgery has potential risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Although laparoscopic surgery causes less tissue damage than traditional open surgery, it does not mean that it is completely risk-free. Complications of the procedure vary with the site of surgery. Complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and subcutaneous emphysema may occur due to pneumoperitoneum; perforation of cavernous organs, rupture of substantial organs and bleeding may occur during placement of puncture cannula and surgical manipulation. However, in the vast majority of reports, the complication rate of laparoscopic surgery is very low, between 1-5%, and the postoperative mortality rate is about 0.05%.  Common complications include: anesthesia-related complications such as cardiopulmonary complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, transient hyperthermia, abdominal wall petechiae, tracheitis and pneumonia, bleeding due to injury to blood vessels, injury to substantial intra-abdominal organs, perforation of cavernous organs, injury to important blood vessels, thrombosis, infection, hernia, and abdominal adhesions, all of which are not unique to laparoscopic surgery and have a higher incidence in open surgery. The incidence of these complications is not unique to laparoscopic surgery, but is higher in open surgery.  3. What are the most common complications of laparoscopic surgery?  Infection is the most common complication after all surgical procedures. Even though the incisional infection rate is much lower after laparoscopic surgery than after open surgery, many statistical studies have found that infection is still the most common complication after laparoscopic surgery. Infections after laparoscopic surgery are not related to surgical technique but only to sterilization and hospital environment. Intestinal tube injury is the second most common complication and the most common cause of death in patients after laparoscopic surgery.  4. What are the complications specific to laparoscopic surgery?  Injuries to abdominal organs and vessels are sometimes related to laparoscopic techniques. For less experienced physicians, the placement of puncture cannulae and the use of long laparoscopic instruments can sometimes cause injuries to abdominal organs or vessels such as the bowel and bladder, and if the complication is severe, it may be necessary to reoperate or convert to an open procedure during surgery to stop the bleeding or repair the injury. If the complication is an infection or some other minor complication, it can be resolved with symptomatic treatment. For experienced physicians, these complications are rare. In any case, the safety of the patient is the first priority.  5.When should I suspect a complication?  Contact the surgeon immediately if the patient notices the following: chills, chills, fever, difficulty urinating, persistently worsening abdominal pain and distention, wound redness or swelling at the puncture site.  6. How can such a small incision develop a hernia after laparoscopic surgery?  Incisional hernia at the site of the puncture hole is a complication that can occur after laparoscopic surgery. Most occur at the site of a 10 mm puncture hole, whether or not that puncture hole is in the umbilicus. Surgeons should be aware of the importance of closing the fascia at these larger incision sites, not only at the 10-mm puncture holes but also at the 5-mm puncture holes where repeated manipulations have resulted in a larger defect.  7.What precautions should patients take before surgery?  Do not eat or drink for 6-8 hours before surgery, complete all preoperative tests and preparations before surgery, take a bath the day before surgery, wash the umbilicus with antibacterial soap and water, tell the surgeon all the oral medications the patient is taking to determine which ones to take before surgery and which ones to stop taking in advance.