Absolute contraindications

• haemodynamic instability/shock
• raised intracranial pressure
• acute intestinal obstruction with dilated bowel loops (e.g. > 4 cm)
• uncorrected coagulopathy

Relative contraindications

• cardiac or respiratory failure
• recent laparotomy (within 4-6 weeks)
• abdominal aortic aneurysm (increased risk of vascular rupture)
• pregnancy (risk of injury to uterus)
• extensive adhesions from previous bowel surgery

Complications of laparoscopy include:

• general risks of anaesthetic
• vasovagal reaction (e.g. bradycardia) in response to abdominal distension
• extra-peritoneal gas insufflation: surgical emphysema
• injury to gastro-intestinal tract
• injury to blood vessels e.g. common iliacs, deep inferior epigastric artery