Problems with laparoscopic instruments: Opinions of experts

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery is particularly known for its complex te chnique, which calls for operative analysis of laparoscopic instruments. Th is study investigates the opinion of experts about clinical problems with i nstruments occurring during laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A questionnaire was used to obtain the opinions of expert laparosc opic surgeons about difficulties experienced operatively using laparoscopic instruments. Results: The laparoscopic surgeons indicated that coagulators were especial ly prone to cause complications of the gastro-intestinal tract, vascular in juries, and bile duct injuries, Dissectors were considered to play a role i n the occurrence of solid organ and bile duct injuries, and retractors to c ause solid organ injuries, Insufficient functionality of the instruments an d insufficient quality of the image were indicated to contribute to the ins trument's risks. Conclusion: The questionnaire identified technological deficiencies prone t o cause operative complications. The results provide a basis for the intera ction between surgeons and engineers, and serve as pilot information on whi ch to base an in-depth object evaluation of instrument problems.