Search

Despite significant advances in laparoscopic technique and technologies, laparoscopic Urologic surgery remains technically demanding regarding various surgical steps including the challenge of specimen retrieval and extraction, whether to install a drainage system and the best option for wound closure. Laparoscopic specimen entrapment and extraction occurs at what is falsely considered the ″end of the procedure″. During open surgery, after the specimen has been mobilized, the specimen is simply lifted out of the larger incision which has been made to achieve the surgical objectives. In contrast, significant laparoscopic skill is required to entrapand safely extract laparoscopic specimens. Indeed, the Urologist and surgical team which are transitioning from open surgery may disregard this important part of the procedure which may lead to significant morbidity. As such, it is imperative that during laparoscopic procedures, the ″end of the procedure″ be strictly defined as the termination of skin closure and dressing placement. Taking a few minutes to focus on safe specimen entrapment and extraction will substantially reduce major morbidity. The following review focus on the technology and technique of specimen entrapment and extraction, on the matter of whether to install a drainage system of the abdominal cavity and the options for adequate closure of trocar site wounds. This article 's primary objectives are to focus on how to minimize morbidity while maintain the advantages of a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Background and Purpose: Bosniak III and IV renal cysts have low mortality potential, and little is reported regarding the feasibility and safety of managing such tumors by laparoscopy and its comparison with open surgery. We report on the experience with 37 complex renal cysts managed in the era of laparoscopy., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database from all patients with renal tumors who were operated on at our institution was evaluated after Institutional Review Board approval. The database comprises information for demographic, clinical, imaging, preoperative, intraoperative, histologic, and follow-up data. A comparison among all performed approaches was done for demographic, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, operative time, estimated blood loss, ischemia time, hospital stay, oncologic and survival rate. The cysts removed by laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were compared with the solid tumors removed by the same approach at the same period., Results: The database included 407 patients with renal tumors who were operated on from 2000 to 2009 at our institution. In 36 patients of the total cohort, there were 37 complex renal cysts. No patients with preoperative Bosniak type I or II underwent surgery. Of the cysts, 60% were Bosniak IV, and 86% were confirmed as malignant; 40% were Bosniak III, and 44% were confirmed as malignant. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 67.5%. The tumor size and hospital stay were significantly different in the laparoscopic group. No cyst spillage occurred either by laparoscopy or by the open approach, and no tumor recurrence was found in a mean follow-up of 43.7 months with overall survival of 100%., Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for complex cysts is safe, feasible, and effective. Nevertheless, regardless of surgical approach, patients with complex renal cysts have excellent overall survival with short-term follow-up.

Purpose: To understand the advances that were made in the management of pheochromocytoma since laparoscopy was initiated at our institution., Materials and Methods: Data for all patients who underwent surgical procedure for adrenal diseases had been recorded prospectively since September 2000, when laparoscopy was routinely initiated at our institution; all patients with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma up to December 2005 had their data assessed (group 1). Charts for all patients with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma who underwent surgery at our institution from 1990 to 1995 (group 2) were reviewed, and the data were compared with data from patients in group 1., Results: In group 1, 24 patients with pheochromocytoma underwent 26 procedures at our institution, including five patients with extra-adrenal tumor and one patient with bilateral tumor; 18 adrenalectomies (one bilateral) were performed, and two extra-adrenal tumors were removed using a laparoscopic approach. In group 2, ten open adrenalectomies were performed in 9 patients (1 bilateral). The patients who underwent laparoscopy for either adrenal or extra-adrenal tumor had shorter operative times and hospital stay and less bleeding., Conclusions: Pheochromocytoma is a complex disease with potentially severe complications. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be safely performed for removal of either adrenal or extra-adrenal tumors. Patients spend a shorter time in the critical care unit after the procedure.

Background and Purpose: To evaluate the possibility of shrinking the kidney by perfusion with hypertonic solution to facilitate organ removal in laparoscopic surgery., Materials and Methods: After 18 open nephrectomies (ONs) in 9 pigs, one of four saline solutions (5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 15%) was infused through a catheter into the renal artery for 5 minutes in four kidneys each. The volumes and weights of the kidneys were measured before and after renal perfusion; the kidneys were then sent for histologic evaluation. Eight ONs were performed, and the kidneys were removed from the abdominal cavity in a plastic bag in order to mimic organ entrapment during laparoscopy. The kidneys were perfused with hypertonic solution and were again put in a plastic bag and removed from the same animal's abdomen through another incision. The incisions were measured with calipers before and after extraction of the unperfused and perfused organs., Results: The kidneys that underwent perfusion with 5% saline had the greatest decrease in both weight and volume, an average of 16% and 17.8%, respectively. The average incision needed for extraction of unperfused kidneys was 44.9 mm (range 40-58 mm), whereas the mean size of the incision needed to remove perfused kidneys was 26.6 mm (range 20-30 mm) (P < 0.001). The relative reduction in the necessary incision size therefore was 44.3% (range 33.3%-55%)., Conclusion: Perfusion with 5% saline is able to shrink the kidney volume slightly with mild histologic changes. In the pig, it is possible to decrease the renal incision necessary for kidney removal by 44% using this method.

Background and Purpose: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has been performed at several institutions using oxidized cellulose (OC) as a means of bleeding and urinary fistula (UF) prevention. However, a foreign-body reaction mimicking either abscess or tumor recurrence has been associated with the use of OC. We evaluated renal-defect healing after LPN with and without OC., Materials and Methods: Sixteen female Landrace pigs underwent lower-pole excision; all the collecting systems were entered and then closed with absorbable running suture. In group 1, hemostatic U-shaped stitches were the only method of hemostasis. In group 2, a bolster of OC was added to the renal defect. The pigs were sacrificed at 1, 4, 7, or 21 days, and gross findings such as perirenal collection were observed. A catheter was advanced up to the kidney, and methylene blue was injected with collecting system pressure observation; burst pressure was defined as the appearance of extravasation. High risk for UF was defined as burst pressure <10 mm Hg., Results: Neither hemorrhage nor urinoma was observed during sacrifice. One pig from group 2 had a burst pressure of 4 mm Hg At 7 days (high risk for UF). At 21 days in group 2, the tissue was grossly solid, apparently a granuloma. Suppuration tended to be greater in group 2. The foreign-body reaction was more intense in group 2 and was strongly present at 4, 7, and 21 days., Conclusions: The use of OC is associated with higher scores of suppuration and foreign-body reaction. After LPN with OC, postoperative day 7 might be a critical time for the development of urinary leakage.

Background and Purpose: The endovascular stapler is the standard of care for renal-vein ligation during nephrectomy, but recently, some reports have addressed the need for lowering the costs in the operating room. The authors describe the first use of "boatman's knot" in renal-vein ligation during laparoscopic nephrectomy and tests of its safety and feasibility., Materials and Methods: Sixteen bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed in female pigs. On the right side, the renal vein was ligated with the boatman's knot, and on the left side, the vein was ligated with conventional intracorporeal technique. The knots were performed by the same surgeon at initial laparoscopic training. The time required to tie the knots was measured. After bilateral nephrectomy, a midline incision was created, and the bursting pressure of the knots was measured with a manometer by saline infusion into the vena cava., Results: The average knot-completion time was 45 seconds (range 30-50 seconds), and the average time needed to carry out the conventional suture was 202.5 seconds (range 186-228 seconds). After renal-vein transection, there was complete hemostasis in all cases. The mean bursting pressure was 179.9 mm Hg (range 126-304 mm Hg). In five cases, the rupture site was in a lumbar vein previously sutured, while in three cases, the rupture happened in the vena cava itself., Conclusion: The boatman's knot is feasible, safe, easy to learn, and faster than conventional intracorporeal suturing. This technique may replace the endovascular stapler. However, its clinical applicability remains to be determined.

Purpose: The authors present and describe an original adaptation for the use of "boatman's knot" in renal vein ligation during laparoscopic nephrectomy. This procedure may replace the need for the endovascular stapler, which is considered the standard of care, but not available in several institutions in Brazil. The knot presented is also known as the "pig's knot" in several farms in Brazil., Methods: Fourteen laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed by the same surgeon in a standard fashion in seven female pigs. Both the renal artery and vein were ligated using the "boatman's knot" as the only method for hemostasis with conventional intracorporeal technique. Two knots were applied in each artery and vein; one knot was tied proximally and the other distally. The vessels were then sectioned in between both knots. This technique is based on the intracorporeal confection of two loops by the right hand pair of dissectors with the help of the left hand. The arteries and the veins were then sectioned and the capability to accomplish full hemostasis was observed., Results: All the laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed successfully. The "boatman's knot" was performed by the same surgeon with neither complications nor difficulties during the confection of the knot. In all cases hemostasis was fully achieved using only the "boatman's knot" as the hemostatic method., Conclusion: The "boatman's knot" is feasible and safe for hilum control during laparoscopic nephrectomy in pigs and total hemostasis can be achieved using it as the only method of hemostasis. However, the safety and the capacity of others to learn how to apply it should be tested before it may be advised to use it routinely.

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term results of laparoscopic hemicystectomy and bladder replacement with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) with ureteral reimplantation into the SIS material., Materials and Methods: A total of 12 minipigs underwent laparoscopic hemicystectomy. Six pigs underwent bladder reconstruction with SIS and ipsilateral ureteral reimplantation. The remaining 6 control pigs underwent hemicystectomy and primary bladder closure with ipsilateral nephroureterectomy. Preoperative and followup evaluations included blood chemistry, radiography and urodynamic evaluations. The 6, 3, 6 and 9-week, and 12-month followup evaluations included biopsies. At 1 year the animals were sacrificed. Histopathological and contractility studies, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for growth factors and basement membrane components were performed., Results: Bladder capacity and bladder compliance were similar in the 2 groups at all time points. One pig per group died, that is a control at the 9-month evaluation due to an anesthetic complication and an SIS pig 7 months after bladder reconstruction due to spontaneous bladder rupture at the anastomotic site. In the SIS group 4 of 5 surviving pigs had unobstructed reimplanted ureters without evidence of hydroureteronephrosis, while 1 had high grade obstruction at the reimplantation site. Histopathology study after 1 year revealed muscle at the graft periphery and center but it consisted of small fused bundles with significant fibrosis. Nerves were present at the graft periphery and center but they were decreased in number., Conclusions: Laparoscopic SIS bladder reconstruction and ureteral reimplantation into the SIS after hemicystectomy are technically feasible. However, compared to primary bladder closure no advantage in bladder capacity or compliance was documented.

Purpose: Using a device that permits simultaneous viewing on the same display (picture in picture) of 2 images we performed combined vaginoscopy-cystoscopy (CVC) during evaluation for vesicovaginal fistula as a means of better visualization, allowing more precise identification and better preoperative planning., Materials and Methods: A regular cystoscope and a 10 mm 0-degree laparoscope were used. Each was attached to a different microcamera and light source. The cameras were hooked to the back of a Twinvideo (Karl Storz Endoscopy, Tuttlingen, Germany), allowing a wide variety of views combining the 2 images. Cystoscopy was performed as usual and the laparoscope was used for vaginoscopy with a transparent vaginal speculum to maintain the vagina open, while allowing visualization of the vaginal wall. The 2 images were combined in picture in picture, providing confidence during the fistula identification process. Urinary leakage was viewed simultaneously with guide wire passage through the cystoscope and vaginal wall, showing the exactly fistula position., Results: The CVC procedure using 2 images in picture in picture allows precise identification during evaluation for vesicovaginal fistula., Conclusions: CVC has become a routine procedure in suspicious cases or in those of a confirmed diagnosis of vesicovaginal fistula at our institution. It increases the likelihood of fistula diagnosis and identification, allowing better surgical planning.

Purpose: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with an arcing-gap electrosurgical snare in a porcine model., Materials and Methods: A novel electrosurgical snare, optimizing high current density arcing and parenchymal compression, was utilized for laparoscopic renal transection. Five farm pigs underwent unilateral laparoscopic polar partial nephrectomy; 6 weeks later, these same animals underwent contralateral partial nephrectomy just prior to sacrifice. Five additional animals underwent chronic (6-week follow-up) and acute open partial nephrectomies by the conventional surgical technique., Results: The average time for transection with the snare was 5.6 minutes. In 9 of 10 cases, the snare provided satisfactory hemostasis. In the remaining case, additional argon-beam coagulation (ABC) controlled the minimal bleeding present after transection. In all 10 animals, the collecting system was transected. In six cases, application of the snare alone sealed the collecting system. No urinomas developed in the five animals followed for 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, the mean depth of injury at the center of the cut surface was 5.1 mm in the laparoscopic group and 3.9 mm in the open group., Conclusions: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with the arcing-gap electrosurgical snare is feasible in a porcine model. Application of the snare provides excellent hemostasis without the need to control the renal vasculature.

Purpose: The laparoscopic technique for bilateral nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is technically difficult. The procedure may be more acceptable if alterations to the technique made it safer and easier to perform. We describe our initial experience with, and the feasibility and potential benefits of hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy for approaching these large kidneys in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease., Materials and Methods: This approach was successfully applied in 3 patients with end stage renal disease due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. After obtaining transumbilical pneumoperitoneum ports were placed in the umbilicus (12 mm.), sub-xiphoid in the midline (12 mm.) and subcostal in the midclavicular line on each side (12 mm.). The table was tilted 40 degrees away from the planned side of initial nephrectomy with the patient in the half lateral position. A 7 cm. midline incision was made that incorporated the umbilical port and a commercially available hand assistance device was positioned. One surgeon hand was inserted into the abdomen to serve as a retractor/blunt dissector, while the other operated the electrosurgical instruments. The right hand was inserted for left nephrectomy and the left hand was inserted for right nephrectomy. The laparoscope was passed via the sub-xiphoid port and the instruments were placed through the ipsilateral subcostal laparoscopic port. Nephrectomy was completed and the specimen was removed through the hand port incision by draining the cysts as they were exposed to view via the midline incision. When dissection was difficult, an additional port was placed in the anterior axillary line at the umbilical level. Some cysts were ruptured or aspirated to decrease overall kidney size and make extraction possible via the 6 to 7 cm. midline incision., Results: All procedures were successfully completed. Mean operative time for bilateral hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy was 5.5 hours (range 4.5 to 6.6). Estimated blood loss was 200 cc or less. Patients resumed oral intake on postoperative day 1. The mean amount of parenteral analgesics required postoperatively was decreased. Mean hospital stay was 4.3 days but it was 3 days when considering nephrectomy only. Patients returned to normal activity after an average of 2 weeks. There was sustained resolution of preoperative discomfort based on pain analog scales. At 1 month or less all patients recorded absent pain. They uniformly noticed improved preoperative pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms, Conclusions: Hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease makes bilateral nephrectomy a reasonable option. The bilateral procedure may be performed as rapidly as laparoscopic only, unilateral nephrectomy in these cases. The advantages of the hand assisted approach include using tactile sensation to facilitate dissection, rapid blunt finger dissection, hand retraction and the application of immediate tamponade when needed. This procedure provides the benefits of minimal intraoperative blood loss, minimal postoperative pain, brief hospital stay and rapid convalescence in this group of patients at high risk.

Objectives: Morcellation with the Cook high-speed electrical laparoscopic (HSEL) morcellator in an impermeable nylon/plastic sack (LapSac) has remained unchanged since its inception nearly one decade ago. Sack deployment and specimen entrapment remain relatively difficult, and morcellation with this device is expensive and relatively slow. As such, in an effort to facilitate specimen entrapment and morcellation, we adapted two currently available electrical morcellators (the Steiner gynecologic morcellator and the electrical prostate morcellator [EPM]) for renal morcellation and compared them with the HSEL morcellator., Methods: All morcellation was performed through a simulated abdominal wall under direct laparoscopic vision. Ten porcine kidneys were ablated with each of the following techniques: HSEL morcellation in a LapSac; HSEL morcellation in a fluid-filled LapSac; Steiner morcellation in an insufflated Endocatch sack; and EPM morcellation in a fluid-filled Endocatch sack. A modified laparoscopic trocar was constructed and used for the Steiner and EPM morcellation. The time to complete morcellation, morcellation product size, and entrapment sack integrity were evaluated for each technique. Cost data for each morcellator are also presented., Results: The mean morcellation time for the Steiner, HSEL dry, HSEL wet, and EPM morcellation was 6.0, 15.9, 14.7, and 26.0 minutes, respectively. The mean fragment size for these morcellators was 2.97, 0.65, 0.62, and 0.013 g, respectively. A single entrapment sack perforation was documented in a LapSac during routine HSEL morcellation., Conclusions: Renal morcellation with all three morcellators is feasible. The Steiner morcellator combined with an Endocatch resulted in more rapid morcellation and larger morcellation products.

Objective: To evaluate renal function in renal cancer patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) (open or laparoscopic - ORN, OPN, LRN or LPN) and to identify risk factors contributing to renal function loss. Methods: We analysed 228 consecutive renal cancer patients admitted for OPN, LPN, ORN or LRN. The variables analysed were age, gender, weight, type of surgery (radical versus partial), type of surgical access (open versus laparoscopic), preoperative renal function and history of hypertension, diabetes or malignancy. Absolute renal function was calculated as the difference in glomerular filtration rate (ΔGFR) between the renal function before (GFR0) and 12 months after surgery (GFR12). The relative renal function of patients undergoing PN and RN was evaluated by the change in chronic kidney disease stage. Results: LRN caused the greatest loss in absolute renal function, followed by ORN, LPN and OPN. A GFR of ≥60 ml/min was noted for 90 (68.7%) patients before and 65 (49.6%) patients after RN and for 80 (82.5%) patients before and 74 (76.3%) patients after PN. The chronic kidney disease stage dropped to 4 or 5 in the case of 6 (4.6%) patients who underwent RN and 2 (2.1%) patients who underwent PN. Multivariate analysis revealed that only preoperative weight and type of surgery (radical versus partial) had a significant impact on renal function. Conclusion: Renal function significantly decreased in patients undergoing RN, irrespective of the access route. Patients with preoperative poor renal function are at risk of postoperative end-stage renal disease. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]