ABSTRACT
Laparoscopy was initially performed by Kelling in 1901 (1), and now almost a century later this technique has gained global popularity and widespread use for many procedures in multiple specialties. Because laparoscopic surgery offers benefits over open surgery including less postoperative pain, shorter convalescence, and improved cosmesis, it has replaced laparotomy in many instances as the preferred route of treating surgical pathology. Surveys of complications from laparoscopy have been published for abdominal and pelvic procedures. Intestinal injury represents a rare but potentially fatal complication of any abdominal procedure. In laparoscopic patients, the signs and symptoms of bowel injury may be
different from that seen after traditional laparotomy. The following presents a review of the literature with respect to laparoscopic bowel injury. Keys to the diagnosis of bowel injury will be emphasized as well as the subsequent management strategies. Prevention techniques and key points will be highlighted at the end.
