A survey of entry techniques and complications of members of the Australian gynaecological endoscopy society (AGES)

OBJECTIVE: To identify various aspects of laparoscopic entry technique and visceral injury experienced by members of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society (AGES). DESIGN: A retrospective mailed survey. SAMPLE: All members of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society (AGES). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Numbers of bowel and major retroperitoneal vascular injuries experienced, entry techniques utilised, alternative entry sites. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 73% use a Veress needle entry. In subjects with an increased risk of peri-umbilical adhesions 83% of respondents use an alternate site of entry, 66% of which use Palmer's point. Sixty-four per cent of respondents had experienced one or more bowel injuries, 21% had experienced major retroperitoneal vascular injury, 33% of respondents had no plan in place for the management of vascular injury and 51% of respondents would alter their clinical practice if accepted entry technique guidelines were available. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents use the Veress needle method of entry, have had at least one entry-related bowel injury and use Palmer's point as an alternative entry site in high-risk subjects. The majority of subjects would alter their clincal practice if accepted entry technique guidelines were available.