What are the contraindications to laparoscopic surgery?
- Absolute contraindications include the patient’s inability to tolerate general anesthesia or pneumoperitoneum, usually caused by advanced cardiopulmonary disease.
- Relative contraindications include coagulopathy and portal hypertension.
- The most important relative contraindication is lack of surgeon experience.
- The ability to safely create working space and the judgment to convert to an open procedure when necessary are paramount.
