Immediate to long-term complications following minimal access surgery in gynaecology

Hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgery have undoubtedly improved the surgical treatment options available for many gynaecological conditions. However, there are certain operative and post-operative complications which may arise that are directly associated to the minimally invasive approach used. There is limited published data on post-operative complication rates and data rapidly becomes out of date as improvements in equipment, techniques and training are adopted.

The literature on post-operative complication rates directly associated to the minimally invasive approach is reviewed and methods to avoid, identify and treat the various complications are discussed.

Clinicians are encouraged to audit their own complications and large prospective studies examining operative and post-operative complications are needed.