Open laparoscopy as a method of access in laparoscopic surgery
Abstract
Objective
To describe the technique of open laparoscopy and compare the rates of its complications to those of closed laparoscopy.
Design
Medline search, review of the literature and the author's experience.
Results
For open laparoscopy, the rate of umbilical infection in 15 622 cases was 0.4%, that of bowel injury in 20 335 cases was 0.1%, based on prospective, retrospective studies and a mail survey. Prospective and retrospective studies dealing with closed laparoscopy reported the following complication rates: umbilical infection: 1% of 4377 cases; vascular injury: 0.2% of 94 863 cases: visceral injury: 0.2% of 91 272 cases. The operating time for open and closed laparoscopy were substantially similar.
Conclusion
Open laparoscopy is advocated as the preferred method of access for laparoscopic surgery.
