Aim: To determine the incidence and clinical features of laparoscopic gynaecological deaths in Australia.
Materials and methods: Gynaecological laparoscopic mortality data were obtained from the National Coronial Information Systems (NCIS) and Australian State Coroners Courts, for the period July 1 2000 to December 31 2012.
Results: Eighteen deaths were identified, providing a mortality rate of approximately 1 per 70,000 laparoscopic procedures. The commonest cause of death was from bowel perforation, most of which were unrecognised during the operation.
Conclusion: Gynaecologists should be trained to recognise and manage the rare event of laparoscopic perforation of a viscus or a blood vessel.
Keywords: bowel perforation; laparoscopy deaths; vascular accident.
© 2015 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.