OBJECTIVETo analyze the reasons for reoperation after failed laparoscopic surgery for acute abdomen.

METHODSA retrospective study was performed to review the clinical data of 17 patients who required reoperation after laparoscopic surgery from May 2006 to March 2011.

RESULTSThere were 11 males and 6 females with 16-68 years old. The reasons for reoperation were as follows: 13 with abdominal abscess among whom 4 complicated with internal fistula, 1 with residual toothpick, 1 with ileocecal lymphadenoma complicated with bowel obstruction, 1 with obturator hernia, 1 with intestinal vascular malformation. Twelve patients underwent laparoscopic reoperation after conservative treatments were invalid, among whom 5 completed laparoscopic operation successfully and 7 converted to laparotomy. The other 5 patients underwent emergency abdominal operation. All the patients were cured and discharged from hospital 7-21 days postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONThe laparoscopic technique has unique advantages, but must strictly adhere to the indications of Laparoscopic exploration and strictly follow the surgical operation procedures. In the special condition,and in diagnosis and surgery difficulty,laparoscopic surgery should be timely and decisive conversion to open surgery in the diagnosis and treatment of surgical acute abdomen.