Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is used across many surgical specialties — gynaecology, general surgery, urology, and orthopaedics. While minimally invasive, it carries specific risks related to port insertion, gas insufflation, and the limited visual field. When these risks materialise because of a failure of technique below the required standard — and the harm is not promptly identified and managed — a negligence claim may be available.
What are common laparoscopic surgery negligence claims?
- Trocar (port) insertion injury — inadvertent puncture of blood vessels, bowel, or bladder during port insertion, particularly when using blind insertion technique
- Bowel perforation — thermal or mechanical injury to bowel, failing to identify during the procedure
- Vascular injury — injury to the aorta, inferior vena cava, or iliac vessels during port insertion
- CO2 gas embolism from inadvertent intravascular insufflation
- Conversion to open surgery delayed when it should have been performed earlier — continuing laparoscopically despite poor visibility increasing the risk of injury
- Failure to identify and repair an injury caused during the procedure
Key principle: many laparoscopic injuries are not in themselves negligent — they are recognised complications. The claim arises where the technique was below the required standard, or where the injury was not identified and managed promptly.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if my bowel was perforated during keyhole surgery?
Possibly — if the perforation resulted from technique below the required standard, or if it was not identified at the time and caused peritonitis requiring emergency surgery.