ABSTRACT
Abdominal access is fundamental for all laparoscopic procedures; however, a variety of complications are associated with placement of trocars, the Veress needle, or the Hasson cannula. In recent investigations, the incidence of access complications for laparoscopic procedures in gynecology and general surgery is 0.18-1.4% (1-6). Despite the rarity of injuries, access complications occur in greater frequency than other complications associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common gynecologic procedures (4,5,7). In reports published between 1993 and 1996, the incidence of access complications associated with urologic procedures was 1.8-5.4%
(8-12). For reports published between 1999 and 2001, the incidence of access complications was 0.4-2.0% (13-16). Despite the decreasing incidence of access complications, all urologists should be aware of the possible injuries and their management.
