An Observational Study of Incidental Findings During Elective Laparoscopic Procedures

Objectives Advancements in medical imaging have revolutionized preoperative diagnostics, yet surgeons still encounter unexpected findings during surgeries, particularly in laparoscopic procedures. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and nature of incidental findings (IFs) in elective laparoscopic surgeries and correlate these with patient demographics, other clinical factors, and their impact on surgical decision-making and patient management. Material and Method This cross-sectional observational study evaluates IFs in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic procedures at Rabindranath Tagore Medical College (RNTMC), Udaipur, from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023. Results The study included 81 patients; the male-to-female ratio was 1:2.1. The mean age of the patients was 41.05 5.01 years. A higher prevalence of IFs was observed in females (55%) than in males (50%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (72%, n 58) was the most commonly performed procedure, followed by laparoscopic appendectomy (17%, n 14). The most common IFs were adhesions (58%, n 45), followed by ovarian cysts, hernias, and pelvic fluid accumulations. Conclusion The incidence of IFs in elective laparoscopic procedures highlights the complexity and unpredictability of surgical practice. This study underscores the need for robust protocols to guide the management of such findings.