Vascular complications during laparoscopy. An analysis of a personal case]

Vascular complications of laparoscopy most often occur during Veress needle or primary trocar placement. Veress needle punctures are insignificant and require no further treatment, whereas trocar induced vascular injuries can be catastrophic. The frequency of vascular or viscus injuries is difficult to calculate since several complications are not published. A vascular complication occurred in a young girl with neurologic problems and a kyphoscoliosis operated on in laparoscopy for a gastroesophageal reflux is discussed. After the establishment of pneumoperitoneum, an important hemoperitoneum was rapidly evident at insertion of the laparoscope. An open laparotomy was performed showing right common iliac vessel injuries and several intestinal perforations. After a complex vascular reconstruction and a multiple intestinal suture, the Nissen fundoplication with pyloroplasty was performed traditionally and the patient leave the hospital free of symptoms after 20 days. In laparoscopy, as in all areas of surgery, experience knowledge and meticulous attention to details are the most important factors in order to avoid complications. The authors believe that the open approach with Hasson cannula is the most important factor in avoiding complications.