Management of Laparoscopic Surgical Complications PDF

Preface

The growth in laparoscopic general surgical techniques has sustained since the beginnings in the late 1980's. Most of the standard open operations are now performed via a laparoscopic approach. The adoption of these methodologies has varied in the different parts of the world and even in specific centers. Surgeons realize the benefits of these technologies to the outcome of the patient. To many individuals, however, the fear of complications and the need to develop new skills has inhibited the acceptance of some of these procedures.

An understanding of the pitfalls of all operative procedures allows the surgeon the knowledge with which to avoid or prevent them. This textbook seeks to provide this understanding. The surgeon-authors of this work have tried to supply insight into the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative expectations following the specific procedure. While I have tried to encourage each contributor to follow a standard format to the specific chapter, in many cases, the procedure described did not allow this design to be followed. This is apparent as one reviews this book.

As stated so eloquently by Rene´ LeRiche, we all endeavor to achieve success without morbidity or mortality. It is understood that the diligent surgeon will always strive to minimize complications and achieve good results. This work attempts to assist the reader in that goal. Each chapter has been written by individuals that I have selected who are the recognized leaders in their respective fields. These authors have vast knowledge of the assigned topic. Nevertheless, I implore the reader to not forget that these are opinions based upon the experience of these individuals. In many cases, there are many other opinions and sometimes quite opposite views from those that are discussed in this book. In that regard, Management of Laparoscopic Surgical Complications cannot be viewed as the sole authority for the prevention and treatment of these events. The reader should use this work as a basis of education and improvement in his or her technique and knowledge base. Adverse outcomes are the inevitable result of any endeavor in life. The practice of surgery in not immune to this reality. I hope this book will allow the reader some education in the identification, prevention and management of these when they occur. The undisputable facts are that despite one's best efforts, surgical complications will occur at some point in every surgeon's career.

I wish to thank all of the contributors that worked so diligently to make their own contribution as helpful and accurate as possible. Additionally, I wish to thank Marcel Dekker for the opportunity to provide a textbook for which I have seen a significant need for many years.