Veress Needle Placement Research Articles

Comparison of Abdominal Initial Entry Techniques in Gynecological Laparoscopy

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the safety of laparoscopic entry techniques.
 Materials and Methods: Within the scope of the study, medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopy due to various gynecological indications at our clinic between January 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015, were examined. Evaluation was conducted using our hospital’s electronic database.
 Results: In the patient cohort, direct trocar placement was preferred in 91.8% (1025 patients), Veress needle placement was used in 7.4% (82 patients), and an open technique was used in 0.8% (9 patients). In terms of entry sites, umbilicus was the most commonly chosen option, being preferred in 97.2% (1085 patients) of cases. In 2.4% of patients (27 patients), the midline abdominal trocar was preferred as the initial trocar insertion site. Among these patients, suprapubic incision was preferred in 62% (17 patients), while Lee-Huang point was chosen as the entry site in 38% (10 patients).Looking at the history of previous surgeries, 18.5% (206 patients) had a history of prior abdominal surgery, and 3.5% (39 patients) had undergone two previous surgical procedures. Only 0.1% (1 patient) had undergone three or more abdominal surgeries.
 Discussion: In conclusion, no clear superiority of one initial entry technique over another has been proven. Despite the extensive literature on laparoscopic entry, debates regarding the most effective method to prevent significant complications continue.

Psychomotor skills development for Veress needle placement using a virtual reality and haptics-based simulator

PurposeVeress needle (VN) insertion, if not correctly performed, could cause severe injuries to intra-abdominal organs and vessels. Therefore, cognitive and psychomotor skills training is needed. Virtual reality (VR) and haptic technologies have the potential to offer realistic simulations.MethodsWe developed a novel VR and haptic surgical simulator for VN insertion to teach trainees how to correctly puncture the abdominal wall, experiencing realistic tactile sensations throughout the simulation. The simulator allows for both procedural and realistic training. We released two different versions: the first using the OpenHaptics^{text {TM}} (OH) Toolkit and the second exploiting CHAI3D. We evaluated the learning effect using different performance indexes (time to perform the procedure, error in insertion angle, number of undesired contacts with organs) in an insertion task for both experienced urologists and students.ResultsA general improvement of the chosen performance indexes was registered in the second repetition of the task for both groups. From the questionnaires, the simulator leveraging OH provides the trainee with a more precise haptic feedback, whereas the one exploiting CHAI3D allows them to perform the procedure more easily thanks to the better visualization of the virtual environment. The results proved that the participants appreciated both implementations, and the System Usability Scale (SUS) test resulted in a “good” usability.ConclusionThe haptics-based and VR simulator has shown the potential to be an important resource for the basic urological training in obtaining the pneumoperitoneum and improving the acquisition of the necessary psychomotor skills, allowing for extended and more effective training without compromising patient safety.

Preperitoneal insufflation pressure of the abdominal wall in a porcine model.

Most complications and adverse events during laparoscopic surgery occur during initial entry into the peritoneal cavity. Among them, preperitoneal insufflation occurs when the insufflation needle is incorrectly placed, and the abdominal wall is insufflated. The objective of this study was to find a range for static pressure which is low enough to allow placement of a Veress needle into the peritoneal space without causing preperitoneal insufflation, yet high enough to separate abdominal viscera from the parietal peritoneum. A pressure test was performed on twelve fresh porcine carcasses to determine the minimum preperitoneal insufflation pressure and the minimum initial peritoneal cavity insufflation pressure. Each porcine model had five needle placement categories. One category tested the initial peritoneal cavity insufflation pressure beneath the umbilicus. The four remaining categories tested the preperitoneal insufflation pressure at four different anatomical locations on the abdomen that can be used for initial entry. The minimum initial insufflation pressures from each carcass were then compared to the preperitoneal insufflation pressures to obtain an optimal range for initial insufflation. Increasing the insufflation pressure increased the probability of preperitoneal insufflation. Also, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the initial peritoneal cavity insufflation pressures (8.83 ± 4.19mmHg) and the lowest preperitoneal pressures (32.54 ± 7.84mmHg) (mean ± SD). Pressures greater than 10mmHg resulted in initial cavity insufflation and pressures greater than 20mmHg resulted in preperitoneal insufflation in porcine models. By knowing the minimum pressure required to separate the layers of the abdominal wall, the risk of preperitoneal insufflation can be mitigated while obtaining safe and efficient entry into the peritoneal cavity. The findings in this research are not a guideline for trocar or Veress needle placement, but instead reveal preliminary data which may lead to more studies, technology, etc.

Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation secondary to Veress needle placement: a complication of robotic nephrectomy

Our patient initially presented to the Urology service for robotic-assisted right simple nephrectomy due to complications from a ureteral stricture and recurrent obstructive pyelonephritis. In the operating room, the patient...

Dive Safely - Veress Needle Peritoneal Access

Objective: Objectives of the video are: 1) to review different sites for peritoneal access with Veress needle, 2) to show details that can increase safety and efficacy of Veress needle placement, 3) to review potential complications.

Bowel injury in gynecologic laparoscopy: a systematic review.

To evaluate the incidence of bowel injury in gynecologic laparoscopy and determine the presentation, mortality, cause, and location of injury within the gastrointestinal tract. The PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Additional studies were obtained from references of retrieved papers. Included retrospective studies and randomized controlled trials reported the incidence of bowel injury in gynecologic laparoscopy. Studies were excluded if they were not in English or duplicated data. Two reviewers extracted data in duplicate from each study regarding incidence, cause, and location of bowel injury. Ninety studies published between 1972 and 2014 met eligibility criteria, representing 474,063 gynecologic laparoscopies. Six hundred four bowel injuries were reported for an incidence of 1 in 769 (0.13%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.14%). The rate of bowel injury varied by procedure, ranging from 1 in 3,333 (0.03%, 95% CI 0.01-0.03%) for sterilization to 1 in 256 (0.39%, 95% CI 0.34-0.45%) for hysterectomy. The small intestine was the most frequently damaged region of the gastrointestinal tract, representing 166 of 354 (47%) injuries. The majority of bowel injuries occurred during abdominal access and insufflation obtained using a Veress needle or trocar placement (201/366, 55% of injuries). Although most bowel injuries were recognized intraoperatively, diagnosis was delayed by more than 1 day in 154 of 375 cases (41%, 95% CI 36-46%). Bowel injuries were managed primarily by laparotomy (80%). Mortality occurred after bowel injury in 5 of 604, or 1 of 125 (0.8%, 95% CI 0.36-1.9%) cases. All deaths occurred as a result of delayed recognition of bowel injury (n=154), making the mortality rate for unrecognized bowel injury 5 in 154 or 1 in 31 (3.2%, 95% CI 1-7%). There were no deaths associated with intraoperatively diagnosed bowel injury. The overall incidence of bowel injury in gynecologic laparoscopy is 1 in 769 but increases with surgical complexity. Delayed diagnosis is associated with a mortality rate of 1 in 31.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Tissue Impedance Measurement Interpretation for Correct Veress Needle Placement in Canine Cadavers

To establish the diagnostic accuracy of tissue impedance measurement interpretation (TIMI) for determining correct versus incorrect Veress needle placement. Prospective, randomized, blinded trial. Canine cadavers (n = 20). Two laparoscopists (1 experienced, 1 novice), blinded to tissue impedance measurement results, placed reusable Veress needles in canine cadavers in a randomized order. A 3rd individual interpreted impedance measurements as consistent with correct or incorrect Veress needle placement. Veress needle tip locations were marked by injecting contrasting colors of India ink. Tissue dissection was performed to localize ink. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and kappa statistics for TIMI for placements by the experienced and novice laparoscopist were determined. P < .05 was considered significant. TIMI identified 29/33 correct and 7/7 incorrect placements, respectively. Impedance measurement interpretation had 87.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 90% accuracy, and 100% precision overall. Agreement between TIMI and Veress needle location was moderate (kappa 0.50, P = .01) for placements by the experienced laparoscopist and very high (kappa 0.88, P < .01) for the novice laparoscopist. Diagnostic accuracy of TIMI for Veress needle placement was higher than has been reported for other tests, and TIMI had a shallow learning curve. TIMI successfully detected all incorrect Veress needle placements. Further prospective evaluation of Veress needle placement with and without TIMI is warranted to determine if its use increases operator detection of inappropriate Veress needle placements or decreases installment phase complication rates.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Tissue Impedance Measurement Interpretation for Correct Veress Needle Placement in Feline Cadavers

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of tissue impedance measurement interpretation (TIMI) for determining correct versus incorrect Veress needle placement in feline cadavers. Prospective, randomized, blinded trial. Cat cadavers (n = 24). Two laparoscopists (1 experienced, 1 novice), blinded to TIMI, placed reusable Veress needles in study subjects in a randomized order. A third individual interpreted impedance measurements as consistent with correct versus incorrect placement. Veress needle tip locations were marked by injecting contrasting colors of India ink. Tissue dissection was performed to localize ink. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and kappa statistics for TIMI for placements by the experienced and novice laparoscopist were determined. P < .05 was considered significant. TIMI identified 36/38 correct and 2/10 incorrect placements. TIMI identified 2/2 bowel perforations but was unable to identify 8 inappropriate placements in the retroperitoneal fat pad. Impedance measurement interpretation had 94.7% sensitivity, 20% specificity, 79.2% accuracy, and 81% precision overall. Agreement between TIMI and Veress needle location was absent (kappa = -0.15, P = .01) for placements by the experienced laparoscopist and substantial (kappa = 0.78, P < .01) for the novice laparoscopist. Failure of TIMI to identify placement in the retroperitoneal fat pad resulted in poor accuracy. Small cat size limited the number of appropriate placement sites, perhaps resulting in excessively dorsal placements. Use of TIMI may increase detection of clinically significant inappropriate Veress needle placements, like bowel perforations, and decrease installment phase complications. Further evaluation of Veress needle placement with and without TIMI is warranted.

Laparoscopic Sterilization of the African Lioness (Panthera leo)

To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the African lioness (Panthera leo). Descriptive clinical study. Female lions (n= 16). Lionesses were randomly divided into 2 groups: O= ovariectomy (n= 8) and S= salpingectomy (n= 8) for laparoscopic surgery. Two Veress needle placement techniques were used. Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications. The poorly developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa rendered the uterine tube more accessible for salpingectomy compared to the dog making the procedure easier in the lioness. Similarly, salpingectomy is a relatively easier procedure compared with ovariectomy especially when the modified Hasson technique for Veress needle placement is used. Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be safely performed in the African lioness.

Robotic partial nephrectomy in the setting of prior abdominal surgery

• To evaluate our experience with robotic partial nephrectomy in patients with previous abdominal surgery and evaluate the effect of previous abdominal surgery on perioperative outcomes. We also describe a technique for intraperitoneal access for patients with prior abdominal surgery utilizing the 8 mm robotic camera for direct-vision trocar placement. • From a prospective cohort of 197 consecutive patients who underwent robotic renal surgery at a single academic institution, a total of 95 patients underwent transperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). • Patients with and without previous abdominal surgery were compared. Patients with prior abdominal surgery were subcategorized into two groups: upper midline or ipsilateral upper quadrant scar or lower abdominal, contralateral, or minimally-invasive scar. • Demographic and perioperative variables were compared between the surgery and no surgery groups. Access was obtained using a Veress needle or Hassan technique. • We utilized a technique of direct vision placement of the initial trocar on our 10 most recent cases, using an 8 mm robotic camera placed through the obturator of 12 mm clear-tipped trocar. • Lysis of adhesions was performed as needed to allow for placement of additional robotic ports. • A total of 95 patients underwent transperitoneal RPN, of which 41 (43%) had a history of prior abdominal surgery and six had upper midline or ipsilateral upper quadrant scars. • There were no statistically significant differences between patients with previous abdominal surgery and patients with no previous abdominal surgery in BMI (30.4 vs 29.4 kg/m(2) ), median tumor size (2.5 cm vs 2.3), median total operative time (246 vs 250 min), median warm ischemia time (21 vs 16 min), median EBL (150 vs100 ml), clinical stage, transfusion rate, or complications. • A total of six patients underwent 7 previous upper midline or ipsilateral upper quadrant surgeries, including open cholecystectomy-2 patients (33%), open partial gastrectomy-2 patients (33%) and exploratory laparotomy-1 patient (17%). • Complications in this group were an enterotomy during lysis of adhesions that was repaired robotically without sequelae and a mesenteric hematoma during Veress needle placement. A total of 35 patients underwent 16 other prior abdominal surgeries, including abdominal hysterectomy-10 patients (29%), umbilical/inguinal hernia repair-9 patients (26%) and appendectomy-7 patients (20%). There were no access related injuries in the 10 cases in which the robotic 8 mm camera was used for initial trocar placement. • Transperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy is feasible in the setting of prior abdominal surgery. The majority of these patients can have their procedure performed safely without an increase in complications. • Direct-vision intraperitoneal placement of initial trocar may be achieved by using an 8 mm robotic camera, without the need to switch between conventional and robotic cameras.

The pressure profile test is more sensitive and specific than Palmer's test in predicting correct placement of the Veress needle

Objectives Although the majority of laparoscopic complications result from improper Veress needle placement, the safety tests commonly used to determine correct placement are not always reliable. A prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2) was set up to determine the reliability of Palmer's and pressure profile tests in predicting the correct intraperitoneal placement of the Veress needle prior to insufflation. Study design One hundred consecutive women undergoing gynaecological laparoscopic surgery between September 2006 and June 2007 were recruited. The operating surgeons conducted Palmer's and pressure profile tests in all 100 cases and recorded the ease with which these tests were performed and whether or not they felt that the needle placement was correct. They were also asked to comment on the saline drop test and double click acoustic test if appropriate. Results The overall sensitivity of Palmer's test was 0.92 while its specificity was 0.5. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the pressure profile test were 0.99 and 0.75, respectively, making this a more reliable test for predicting intraperitoneal placement of the Veress needle. Conclusions The pressure profile test was a more reliable guide to confirming the correct placement of the Veress needle as a negative test is more likely to indicate failure to achieve intraperitoneal placement.

Laparoscopic Bowel Injury in Retroperitoneal Surgery: Current Incidence and Outcomes

Laparoscopic bowel injury is associated with significant morbidity and mortality when unrecognized. We assessed the incidence and outcomes of bowel injury in a contemporary cohort of patients, and reviewed the literature to examine the impact of experience with time on the incidence and consequences of bowel injury. Between 2006 and 2009 we performed 1,073 laparoscopic surgeries on the upper urinary tract, adrenal gland and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Patients incurring bowel injury were identified retrospectively. We reviewed complications and management. In a separate literature survey we identified 21 studies on laparoscopic bowel injury from 1993 to 2009. We analyzed etiology, incidence and management. Bowel injury occurred in 8 cases (0.75%), including 6 and 2 identified intraoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Mechanisms included Veress needle and trocar placement, dissection and thermal injury. Intraoperative management included oversewing the injury, bowel resection and observation. No patient with intraoperatively recognized bowel injury sustained a postoperative adverse event. Patients with unrecognized injury presented in delayed fashion and required multiple procedures to manage the injury. No deaths occurred in this series. Urology series of bowel injury showed a combined 0.65% incidence in 14,447 laparoscopic procedures with 46.7% of injuries unrecognized at surgery. While the incidence of bowel injury has increased with time, the percent of unrecognized bowel injury has dramatically decreased from the early (70.4%) to the more recent (36.9%) laparoscopic era. The incidence of laparoscopic bowel injury has increased in the last 17 years. However, morbidity and mortality have decreased due to immediate recognition and repair.

Optical Access Trocar Injuries in Urological Laparoscopic Surgery

Inadvertent injuries during trocar and Veress needle placement are a rare but potentially serious complication of laparoscopic surgery. An access alternative is an optical trocar under direct vision. Limited data are available regarding the safety of this technique. We reviewed complications related to optical access trocars during standard transperitoneal urological laparoscopic procedures performed at a single institution. From 1995 to 2001 the optical access trocar was used as the initial trocar in 1,283 urological laparoscopic procedures. The procedures included simple and radical nephrectomy in 309 cases, donor nephrectomy in 386, partial nephrectomy in 79, pyeloplasty in 173 and various other procedures in 336. Intra-abdominal complications caused by optical access trocar were assessed. The optical trocar was inserted at the umbilicus in 88 patients (7.4%), in the right upper quadrant in 445 (34.7%) and in the left upper quadrant in 750 (58.5%). There were 4 injuries (0.31%) associated with the optical access trocar. Complications occurred on the left side in 3 cases and on the right side in 1, including 1 injury to bowel, 1 mesenteric injury resulting in a retroperitoneal hematoma and 2 injuries to epigastric vessels. Three cases were recognized and repaired immediately but in a case of epigastric vessel injury the expanding abdominal wall hematoma required postoperative repair. Optical access trocars provide a safe and rapid technique for initial trocar placement. Results of this large series support the finding that few trocar related complications are associated with the optical access trocar.

Management of hemorrhage during laparoscopy.

Bleeding can be a complication of laparoscopic procedures commonly performed by urologists, such as pelvic node dissection and nephrectomy, and is often difficult to manage. Hemorrhage also can occur as a result of Veress needle or trocar placement, and there are specific strategies for the management of these injuries. Laparoscopic clip appliers, laparoscopic staplers, laparoscopic suturing, various energy sources (monopolar and bipolar electrocautery, laser, ultrasonic dissectors, and argon beam coagulators), and topical agents (gelatin foam, cellulose, collagen, and fibrin sealant) can be used to obtain hemostasis. Converting to laparotomy to obtain hemostasis may be necessary in some cases. Proper patient selection is important for lowering the risk of hemorrhage.

Laparoscopic renal surgery in patients at high risk for intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal scarring.

Prior open abdominal or renal surgery has been considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic surgery because of the likelihood of adhesion formation and perinephric scarring, which results in difficulty obtaining access to the peritoneal cavity and during surgical dissection. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and morbidity of laparoscopic renal surgery in patients at high risk for intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal scarring. Twenty-four patients who underwent laparoscopic renal surgery at our institution gave a history of significant open abdominal or renal surgery. Seven patients had undergone prior open extraperitoneal (N = 6) or percutaneous (N = 1) renal procedures, 10 patients had undergone prior open laparotomy for various reasons, and 7 patients had undergone open pelvic surgery. The mean interval from the prior operation to laparoscopic renal surgery was 16.5 years (range 0.3-44 years). Operative time, estimated blood loss, incidence of complications, perioperative parenteral narcotic use, length of hospitalization convalescence, and degree of intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal scarring were assessed. Patients who developed complications were compared with patients who did not. No difficulty was encountered while obtaining initial access to the peritoneal cavity or retroperitoneal space. No bowel or visceral injuries occurred during Veress needle or trocar placement. The laparoscopic procedure was completed successfully in all cases. The mean operative time was 4.3 (range 2.0-10.9) hours. The mean estimated blood loss was 266 mL (range 50-1200 mL). There were eight complications (overall complication 33%) including three major and five minor complications. Patients who developed complications had a higher total scarring score that those who did not (p = 0.01). For experienced laparoscopic surgeons, laparoscopic renal surgery in patients who have a history of open abdominal or renal surgery can be successful. Access via the transperitoneal or retroperitoneal route can be obtained safely, and the procedure usually can be performed in a timely fashion. However, a relatively high perioperative complication rate can be expected, particularly for those patients with significant intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal scarring.

Complications of pediatric laparoscopic surgery.

Surgical complications of laparoscopy most often occur during Veress needle or primary trocar placement. Veress needle punctures are insignificant and require no further treatment, whereas trocar-induced vascular injuries can be catastrophic. The frequency of vascular and viscus injuries is difficult to calculate because several complications are not reported in the literature. During a 10-year-period (1984-1995), at the Division of Pediatric Surgery at "Federico II" University of Naples, 430 laparoscopic procedures were performed in 395 children with a mean age of 5 years. The incidence of complications related to laparoscopy was 1.8% with eight complications, one of which was rather severe. The complications included one abdominal wall hematoma, two perforations of abdominal viscus (stomach, ovary), one umbilical scar complication, one postoperative hydrocele, one subcutaneous emphysema, and one pneumothorax during a Nissen procedure. The only severe complication occurred in a young girl with neurologic problems and a kyphoscoliosis operated on via laparoscopy for a gastroesophageal reflux. She suffered injuries of both right common iliac vessels and several intestinal perforations due to blind introduction of the first umbilical trocar. In this case rapid conversion, complex vascular reconstruction, and multiple intestinal sutures were performed. The Nissen fundoplication with pyloroplasty was performed traditionally and the patient left the hospital free of symptoms after 20 days. The other seven complications were resolved without any problem intra- or postoperatively. The authors believe that the open approach with a blunt trocar is most important in helping to avoid complications in pediatric laparoscopy.

High-flow insufflation

SummaryWithin the last decade, laparoscopy has developed from mainly a diagnostic technique to an extensive therapeutical procedure. This development has led, among others, to new or extended requirements for intra-abdominal insufflation. These requirements are outlined and analysed. A new generation insufflator, developed and manufactured by Karl Storz, is presented and evaluated. This instrument fulfills these requirements to a large extent by providing high-flow insufflation with up to 30 l/min average flow, further improved pressure control and optional gas heating to body temperature. Further, additional security functions are provided such as monitoring of the correct Veress needle placement, monitoring of the insufflation line status, active venting, good vision during smoke generation (CO2 laser, electrocautery) by semi-continuous insufflation or display of selected functional parameters in the videoendoscopic image. Finally, an optional CO2 gas humidification system is also provided.

The risk of anterior abdominal wall adhesions in patients with previous umbilical hernia repair

The incidence of umbilical hernia may be increased in certain populations during infancy. Many procedures to repair such defects are thus performed during early childhood. Patients may present for adult surgery with minimal or no recollection of these surgeries and with only a small infra-umbilical incision which appears remarkably similar to an incision for laparoscopy. We proposed to evaluate the risk of adhesions to the area of the umbilicus and anterior abdominal wall in patients presenting for laparoscopic surgery. Eight patients with documentable umbilical hernia repair comprise this study. One patient had undergone two procedures. To best evaluate the umbilicus, initial trocar insertion was made in the left upper quadrant, 2 cm below the costal margin in the mid-clavicular line. Findings demonstrated significant bowel and omental adhesions to the area of the umbilicus in all but one patient. Interestingly, one patient had previously undergone an unsuccessful attempt at Veress needle placement and open laparoscopy. This patient had massive bowel adhesions to the entire umbilical region. In all but the one case, trocar or Veress needle insertion would have likely caused significant tissue or visceral injury. No complications occurred in this series. In conclusion, patients with previous umbilical hernia repair may be at higher risk for adhesive disease to this region. Appropriate bowel preparation prior to surgery and site selection for trocar entry may aid in decreasing the risk of visceral injury.

Laparoscopic Surgical Training: Effectiveness and Impact on Urological Surgical Practice Patterns

Urological interest in laparoscopic surgical techniques has dramatically increased during the last several years. However, the extent to which these methods are being used and the impact of training courses on clinical use are unclear. We assessed urologist practice patterns subsequent to a formal training course in urological laparoscopic surgery.On 5 dates between January and October 1991, a total of 163 urologists participated in a 2-day, university sponsored, laparoscopic surgery training seminar. Instruction consisted of 8hours of didactic lectures including 2 live video cases, 4.5hours of simulation and 4.5hours in a live animal laboratory. Three months after the course the participants were mailed a questionnaire inquiring as to the interval laparoscopic surgery experience. Practice demographics, additional training, equipment availability, number of laparoscopic surgery candidates identified, percentage of overall surgical case load, patient inquiries, cases performed and complications were assessed by the questionnaire. Descriptive and correlative information was then derived from the data set.A total of 105 course participants (64%) responded to the questionnaire and 64 had engaged in some form of additional training following the course. During the 3 months since course completion respondents had identified an average of 4 candidates for laparoscopic surgery, which represented a mean of 2.5% of the total case load. Specific patient inquiries averaged less than 1 per physician within 3 months. During this same interval respondents had performed a total of 156 laparoscopic procedures (1.7 per urologist). Of the participants 45% had not performed their first case and 32% had performed more than 1 laparoscopic procedure. A total of 11 complications was reported (7.2%) and in 7 instances the surgeon was required to convert to an open approach. Veress needle placement was perceived as the most difficult aspect of the technique (22% of the respondents). Training subsequent to the course was the best predictor of clinical use. Of those who responded 88% believed that their future use of laparoscopy would increase. This survey suggests that subsequent to training, laparoscopic techniques are being rapidly and safely used by urologists. However, in the current state of development the impact of laparoscopic surgery on global urological practice patterns appears to be small.