PATIENT SAFETY CHALLENGES IN LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY. AN ANALYSIS OF INTRAOPERATIVE AND POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

laparoscopic surgery has become established as one of the leading minimally invasive techniques employed worldwide, with widespread application in procedures involving the digestive system and the female reproductive tract. its development has provided significant advances in surgical efficiency, reduced surgical trauma, and improved postoperative recovery for patients. this study aimed to identify the main complications and challenges associated with the laparoscopic technique in the hospital setting. this is a narrative literature review. although laparoscopic surgeries generally present low rates of postoperative complications, a notable incidence of serious adverse events and worse prognoses is observed in patients with pre-existing comorbidities, especially those undergoing procedures on the digestive tract and the hepatobiliary system. despite being recognized as a minimally invasive technique and associated with better postoperative outcomes compared to laparotomy, laparoscopic surgery is not free from complications. most complications are related to carbon dioxide (co₂) insufflation into the peritoneal cavity, which can lead to referred pain (particularly in the shoulders), residual pneumoperitoneum, and significant hemodynamic changes — such as reduced cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, and hypercapnia — resulting from elevated intra-abdominal pressure and peritoneal absorption of the gas.