Endoskopie 2011; 20(1): 14-16

Thermal injuries in laparoscopic surgery

MUDr.Marek Šoltés, PhD., MUDr.Peter Pažinka, PhD., prof.MUDr.Jozef Radoňak, CSc.

I. chirurgická klinika LF UPJŠ a UNLP, Košice

Background: High-energy sources applied in laparoscopic surgery carry risk of thermal injury. Such complications remain serious medical

and medicolegal problem despite technological advances and improved surgical safety awarness.

Material and methods: Analysis of a prospective database of laparoscopic procedures.

Results: 2 cases of thermal injury were identified in 3,157 procedures (0.06 %). Monopolar electrocautery was used in both incidents. Mechanism

of injury varied – direct coupling and direct injury out of the field of vision due to damaged insulation of the instrument were identified

as potential casuses. Clinical presentation was delayed due to development of coagulative necrosis (5th–7th postoperative day).

Conclusions: Although modern hemostatic devices are constructed as safe they do not provide mechanisms to eliminate risk of thermal

injury.

Keywords: laparoscopy, thermal injuries, complications, safety

Published: May 1, 2011  Show citation