Abstract: Objective To explore errors and their causes in setting up the retroperitoneal cavity for peritoneoscopy. Methods The clinical data of 450 patients who were performed the laparoscopic surgery in our hospital from May 2009 to December 2016 were collected. According to the trocar puncture points, patients were divided into lumbar group (n=193) and iliac flap group (n=276). The problems were summarized and analyzed in the process of setting up the retroperitoneal cavity. Results The mistakes existed in setting up the retroperitoneal cavity including peritoneum rupture (10 cases), error in balloon expansion clearance (5 cases), homemade balloon rupture and fall off (7 cases), poor position of puncture port (34 cases), bleeding of puncture channel (6 cases), leaking around the trocar and subcutaneous emphysema. After peritoneal patching, re-establishment of the expansion of the gap, adjusting the trocar position and other appropriate measures for treatment, the operations were successfully in 450 patients. Conclusion We should choose the appropriate method for building cavity according to different conditions of patients, and know well the anatomy of the peritoneal cavity. All details should be emphasized in the process of building cavity to reduce the occurrence of errors.

Key words: laparoscopy, retroperitoneoscopy, retroperitoneal space, errors