[The benefits and risks of laparoscopic surgery].

Résumé vulgarisé

The advantages of laparoscopic surgery in comparison to those of conventional surgery are mainly due to the very low rates of postoperative infections and adhesions and due to the aesthetic nature of this type of surgery. Endoscopy enables a thorough search of lesions which can then be treated in a more conservative manner. The short hospital stay and rapid postoperative recovery are two key advantages of endoscopic surgery. Complications at endoscopic surgery mainly occur if the safety measures are not strictly followed, due to improper choice and use of instruments (eg. old instruments), an antecedent laparotomy and also depend upon the type of surgery performed. It should be noted that the introduction of the trocar is not a simple affair, that non-recognition of complications is not infrequent and that the incidence of complications is directly proportional to the experience of the operator.