Avoiding and managing complications with gynaecological surgery

All surgery involves a delicate balance of risk management, from the benefits and disadvantages of when a surgical option is appropriate, to the immediate post-operative care. Recognizing areas of high risk and understanding how these may be minimized, is central to the practice of safe surgery. All surgeons may encounter complications at some point, but recognizing when these occur and the most appropriate initial management is essential to prevent or minimize immediate and long-term complications. In addition, as some complications will involve areas in which the surgeon has relatively little expertise, it is important to acknowledge that limitation and enlist help from an appropriate specialist at an early stage. This review focuses on general advice on avoiding and managing complications in gynaecological surgery, excluding radical cancer surgery.