Complications of laparoscopy in urology

From April 1987 to November 1995, we performed 741 laparoscopic procedures, in which we observed 14 major complications (1.9% complication rate). The complication rate was 4% in the first 100 procedures - more than twice as many as in the following 631 procedures, which had a complication rate of 1.6%. Although between 1987 and 1990 laparoscopy was mainly used for the diagnosis of cryptorchidism, we then progressed to therapeutic measures with the help of the laparoscopic technique. After performing laparoscopic orchiectomy (1990), we introduced fenestration of lymphoceles (1991), varicocelectomy (1991), pelvic staging lymphadenectomy (1992), nephrectomy (1992), and adrenalectomy (1994) into clinical practice, in addition to other, more rarely occurring procedures. The complications we observed demonstrate a clear learning curve and show that critical, gradual practice of the laparoscopic technique is necessary.