[Major vascular complications from gynecologic laparoscopy]

OBJECTIVE

To specify the circumstances of occurence, the means of diagnosis, the risk factors and the means of prevention for major vascular injuries (MVI) during gynecologic laparoscopic procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review study of 24 patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with 31 MVI were identified. The average age of the patients was 32.8 +/- 10.6 years and the mean body index mass was 22.4 +/- 4.0 kg/m2. Three of four of the MVI occurred during the setting-up phase of laparoscopy (19 cases; 79.2%). In five cases (20.8%) MVI occurred during the laparoscopic surgical procedure. Fifteen of the MVI occurring during the set up phase were secondary to insertion of the umbilical trocar and four to insertion of the needle used to create the pneumoperitoneum. A minimum of six MVI secondary to insertion of the umbilical trocar were observed with disposable trocars. In every case diagnosis was performed during the laparoscopic procedure. Five patients (20.8%) died and three others (12.5%) presented serious complications (phlebitis (one case); ischemia (two cases) with a reoperation for one patient).

CONCLUSION

MVI are rare but serious complications of gynecologic laparoscopy. Prevention relies on the surgeon's experience and strict respect of the safety rules. In the vast majority of cases, it is necessary to convert to laparotomy immediately, calling in a vascular surgeon.

Indications for and outcomes of cholecystectomy: a comparison of the pre and postlaparoscopic eras

PURPOSE

Examine changing patient characteristics and surgical outcomes for patients undergoing cholecystectomy at five community hospitals in 1989 and 1993.

PROCEDURES

In a retrospective chart review, data were gathered regarding gallstone disease severity, type of admission, patient age, number of comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification, length of stay, and multiple outcomes of surgery.

MAIN FINDINGS

The volume of nonincidental cholecystectomies increased 26%, from 1611 in 1989 to 2031 in 1993. Nearly all of the increase occurred among patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis and with elective admissions. In 1993, lengths of stay were significantly shorter and percentages of complications were significantly lower for infectious, cardiac, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal complications when controlling for patient case-mix characteristics. There were more major intraoperative complications (unintended wounds or injuries to the common bile duct, bowel, blood vessel(s), or other organs) in 1993.

CONCLUSIONS

Different types of patients underwent cholecystectomy in 1993 compared with patients in 1989, which supports the hypothesis of changing thresholds. Statements supporting the safety of cholecystectomy in the laparoscopic era were borne out when controlling for differences in patient characteristics.