ABSTRACT
This chapter presents primary preventive measures for the recognition of, and treatment options for complications arising from minimally invasive renal surgery. It addresses this encompasses laparoscopic and percutaneous needle techniques for renal extirpation, ablation, and reconstruction, whereas endourologic techniques and general laparoscopic complications. Absolute contraindications to renal laparoscopy include severe uncorrectable coagulopathy, active peritonitis or abdominal wall infection, possible malignant ascites, and acute intestinal obstruction with bowel dilatation. The inferior epigastric artery and vein can be injured during initial access and trocar insertion. Since these structures travel on the undersurface of the rectus muscle belly, trocar insertion in the midline or lateral to the rectus border is prudent. Intra-operatively, some of the most hazardous situations are unrecognized visceral or vascular injuries outside of the laparoscopic field of view. This may occur when stray electric current from the electrocautery unit is conducted to organs outside of the field of view.
