Evolution of the complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy after a decade: a follow up of the Monash experience.

A retrospective review of medical records was performed to assess the incidence and types of significant complications encountered during laparoscopic hysterectomy which would affect the use of a laparoscopic approach versus other routes of hysterectomy. A total of 526 consecutive patients' medical data between January 1994 and August 2007 were reviewed. Two hundred and thirty-two laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomies and 294 total laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed at Monash Medical Centre, a Melbourne tertiary public hospital, and three Melbourne private hospitals, by or under the supervision of three surgeons. Sixteen significant complications occurred. There were two cases of ureteric fistula, two bladder injuries, two bowel obstructions, four postoperative haematomas, one case of a bladder fistula, four conversions to laparotomy and one superficial epigastric artery injury. Inpatient stay ranged from two to six days. Our complication and inpatient stay rates are consistent with the previously reported rates, although there has been a reduction of incidence of visceral injuries with experience and introduction of new equipment.