Safety in Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Conventional and robot-assisted laparoscopic gynecologic surgery offers many advantages over a traditional laparotomy. However, these minimally invasive approaches can present their own particular risks. To ensure patient safety, procedures must be properly planned and performed by a skilled surgeon. Pre-operative patient optimization can help ensure safety and efficiency. Additional risks before starting the actual procedure arise from unique requirements for patient positioning and the need for peritoneal access. The authors discuss these risks and the importance of a thorough working knowledge of anatomy and surgical equipment (specifically conventional laparoscopic devices) to mitigate them.