A survey of entry techniques and complications of members of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society.

OBJECTIVE

To identify various aspects of laparoscopic entry technique and visceral injury experienced by members of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society (AGES).

DESIGN

A retrospective mailed survey.

SAMPLE

All members of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society (AGES).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Numbers of bowel and major retroperitoneal vascular injuries experienced, entry techniques utilised, alternative entry sites.

RESULTS

Of the respondents, 73% use a Veress needle entry. In subjects with an increased risk of peri-umbilical adhesions 83% of respondents use an alternate site of entry, 66% of which use Palmer's point. Sixty-four per cent of respondents had experienced one or more bowel injuries, 21% had experienced major retroperitoneal vascular injury, 33% of respondents had no plan in place for the management of vascular injury and 51% of respondents would alter their clinical practice if accepted entry technique guidelines were available.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of respondents use the Veress needle method of entry, have had at least one entry-related bowel injury and use Palmer's point as an alternative entry site in high-risk subjects. The majority of subjects would alter their clincal practice if accepted entry technique guidelines were available.