Book excerpt: This book is a detailed guide to the intra- and postoperative complications that may arise during the most frequently used laparoscopic techniques, with explanation of how and at what point in time they may arise, what can be done to avoid them, and how to deal with them if they do occur. Individual chapters, each written by an expert in the area, focus on the complications associated with the creation of pneumoperitoneum, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic management of gastroesophageal reflux disease, colorectal laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive spleen surgery, and laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP and TEP). Attention is drawn to useful tips and tricks and to the most critical points in surgical procedures, with a view to optimizing performance of techniques and avoiding pitfalls and complications. The concise, didactic text is enriched with informative drawings and photos and also with short video clips, available to the reader online, that will aid understanding. The book will be of value both for surgical residents and for more experienced surgeons.