Conversion to laparotomy in bening gynecologic laparoscopic surgery; Can surgical experience be protective

Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that is frequently used in the treatment of benign cases, but the conversion to open surgery (CTOS) complication is higher than laparotomy. In some cases, a conversion from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery is necessary to prevent or treat difficulties. In this study, the effect of surgical expertise on CTOS was evaluated on patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery for benign indications. A total of 305 patients were included during the study period. These patients were divided into two groups: CTOS group (7 patients) and successful laparoscopy group (298 patients). Benign gynecological laparoscopy operation was converted to open surgery in 7 of 305 patients (2.29%) included in this study. Open surgery significantly prolonged hospital stays in patients compared to laparoscopic surgery. While wound infection was observed in 3 patients who underwent open surgery, no infection was observed in laparoscopic surgery group. Obtained results demonstrated that age, body mass index, sufficient surgical expertise, history of previous abdominal surgery and endometriosis, obstetrical status, abdomino-pelvic adhesions, and frozen pelvis did not create risk factor for CTOS in the treatment of benign cases with laparoscopic surgery. It was concluded that the conversion to open surgery is connected with technical problems instead of complication management or surgical complexity.