Human Reproduction, Vol 12, 480-483, Copyright © 1997 by Oxford University Press
C Nezhat, J Childers, F Nezhat, CH Nezhat and DS Seidman
We sought to assess the outcome of large retroperitoneal vascular injury
that occurred during operative laparoscopy but was not related to trocar or
Veress needle injury. We conducted a retrospective review of cases operated
and reviewed by our centres. Eight cases were identified. Four women were
undergoing lymphadenectomy, where vascular injury is a recognized risk.
Distorted anatomy was a compounding factor in three of the remaining four
patients who were undergoing intraperitoneal procedures. The injuries
involved the inferior vena cava (n = 2), the right external iliac artery (n
= 2), the left external iliac artery (n = 1), the right external iliac vein
(n = 1), the hypogastric artery (n = 1) and the inferior mesenteric artery
(n = 1). Injuries were caused by unipolar electrode (n = 1),
electrosurgical scissors (n = 3), sharp scissors (n = 2) and CO(2) laser (n
= 2). The vessel injury was repaired at laparotomy in four women. The other
four cases were managed laparoscopically. Transfusion attributable to the
vascular injury occurred in two cases. The outcome in all cases was good,
except for one in which the patient died. These cases demonstrate that all
energy sources used without proper understanding and caution can cause
significant vascular injury. The adequacy and safety of laparoscopic
control of major vessel bleeding should be investigated further and
consultation with a vascular surgeon should be considered in all cases.
ARTICLES
Major retroperitoneal vascular injury during laparoscopic surgery
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA.
![]()
CiteULike
Connotea
Del.icio.us What's this?