Patient Selection and Preparation

I. INTRODUCTION No surgical procedure is without risk. Despite the minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery, the potential for adverse outcome is present and should be taken as seriously as in a traditional open procedure. Patients must be carefully evaluated preoperatively to determine their eligibility for a laparoscopic approach. In addition to the patient characteristics and the nature of the disease process that must be considered for open surgery, the surgeon must also consider factors specific to the execution of the procedure laparoscopically. Patient selection and preparation for a laparoscopic procedure is the first step in ensuring a successful outcome.