Management of Intra- and Postoperative Complications

Abstract

The urologist performing laparoscopic surgical procedures is faced with several challenges. Although most urologists are familiar with working in a two-dimensional field due to endoscopic experience, the lack of depth perception and the degree of precision required in laparoscopy can pose significant problems. Laparoscopy requires familiarity with entirely new instrumentation and safe access to the peritoneal or retroperitoneal space may also present difficulty. The control of bleeding during laparoscopic procedures can be daunting, and diminished tactile feedback during laparoscopy may lead to tissue injury. Investigators have assessed the impact of training on acquisition of laparoscopic skills and it is clear that additional training beyond a weekend instructional course is required to perform laparoscopic procedures safely (1). The teaching of laparoscopic skills in residency programs is early in its development, and laparoscopic training will be the mandate of academic medical centers in the future.