[Relaparoscopy in the treatment of complications after laparoscopic urological procedures].

OBJECTIVES: To propose relaparoscopy as a feasible diagnostic tool and an efficient treatment in early abdominal complications after urologic laparoscopic procedures in selected patients that require surgical intervention.

METHODS: Between January 2008 and April 2011, a total of 246 laparoscopic urologic procedures were performed at our institution. There were 81 radical nephrectomies (33%), 46 radical prostatectomies (19%), 31 pyeloplasties (13%), 28 partial nephrectomies (11%), 6 radical cystectomies (2%) and 54 miscellaneous (22%). Mean age was 53 years (range 15 to 84 years). Male/female ratio was 2.4:1. Patient's ASA score was 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 48%, 44%, 7.5% and 0.5% respectively. Mean postoperative stay was 2.7 days (range 1 to 8 days).

RESULTS: A total of 4 patients (1.6%) developed severe abdominal complications that required surgical intervention. All cases were reoperated laparoscopically. Mean operative time was 57 minutes (range 40 to 80 minutes), and mean hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 3 to 5 days). All patients evolved uneventfully and did not require further treatment.

CONCLUSION: Surgical complications secondary to laparoscopic urologic procedures can be safely reoperated by means of laparoscopy especially in hemodinamically stable patients.