Complications of extraperitoneal balloon dilation

The success of balloon dissection techniques has given laparoscopic surgeons the option of a direct extraperitoneal approach to urologic disease. Unfortunately, these techniques are not without risks. We report on four cases of complications secondary to balloon dilation. In two instances, balloon misplacement caused dissection between muscle layers. This resulted in conversion to an open procedure in one instance and to a postoperative flank hernia in another. Balloon rupture with loose fragments occurred in two patients. In one of these cases, the peritoneum was lacerated, with balloon fragments displaced within the peritoneal cavity.