Intraabdominal bleeding following laparoscopic adnexal surgery. A report of three cases.

BACKGROUND

The incidence of major complications from laparoscopy is reported to be 0.6-2.5%. The literature reviewing laparoscopic adnexal surgery reports few cases of intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CASES: We describe three cases of intraabdominal bleeding following laparoscopic oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy. In two of the three cases, postoperative exploratory laparotomy failed to identify the source of bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Possible causes of postoperative bleeding are loosening of clips from an automated stapling device and delayed bleeding from vessels tamponaded by the pneumoperitoneum. Many complications of operative laparoscopy probably are underreported and, when present, may occur outside a health care facility since many of these cases are performed on an ambulatory basis. Some patients will acquire medical and/or surgical intervention.