Laparoscopy and body mass index

Laparoscopy is a technique which allows viewing (diagnostic) and surgical maneuvers (therapeutic) to be performed in abdominal organs through a surgical incision of < 1 cm with help of pneumoperitoneum. Successful operative laparoscopy requires three essential ingredients: surgical skill, a well-designed and equipped operative room and a well-trained surgical team.Objectives: The aim of our work was to evaluate the intra-operative and postoperative complications of laparoscopy operation in obese infertile women in comparison to non obese infertile women.Patients and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design used in the study. The study was conducted in a Laparoscopic unit of obstetric, gynecologic department as well as cytogenetic unit, faculty of medicine, Zagazig university hospitals during period from February 2011 till November 2011. Age range from 18 - 37 years, with primary or secondary Infertility, Normal Hystosalpingogram HSG and Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) within the last 12 months. All women that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further subdivided into two groups according to Body mass index (BMI): Group (1): Thirty women with BMI >30 kg /m2 (Study group) undergoing laparoscopy for primary or secondary infertility. Group (2): Thirty women with BMI18.5-24.9 Kg/m2 (control group). As regard vital signs between the study groups, no statistically significant difference between both groups (p>0.05) as regard temperature, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but pulse difference was statistically significant between both groups (p<0.05). Comparison between 2 groups shows no statistically significant difference between both groups as regards duration and types of infertility (p>0.05). Statistically no significant difference between both groups as regards hospital stay while regarding duration of laparoscopy, it was shorter in group 2 than group 1 . Statistically highly significant difference between both groups as regards, duration of verses needle insertion and duration of trocar insertion ,it was shorter in group 2 than group 1 and the difference between both groups are statistically significant ( P<0.01). No statistically significant difference between both groups as regards normal and abnormal laparoscopic finding (P>o.o5).Conclusion: Laparoscopy, whether diagnostic or operative, needs more time in obese women. Technical difficulties must be expected during laparoscopy for obese women. Laparoscopy is as safe in obese women as in non-obese women. The postoperative complications and hospital stay after laparoscopy for obese women are as minimal as in non-obese women.