Single‐port,single‐operator‐light endoscopic robot‐assisted laparoscopic urology: pilot study in a pig model

Study Type – Therapy (case series)
Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

To present our initial operative experience in which single‐port‐light endoscopic robot‐assisted reconstructive and extirpative urological surgery was performed by one surgeon, using a pig model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This pilot study was conducted in male farm pigs to determine the feasibility and safety of single‐port, single‐surgeon urological surgery. All pigs had a general anaesthetic and were placed in the flank position. A 2‐cm umbilical incision was made, through which a single port was placed and pneumoperitoneum obtained. An operative laparoscope was introduced and securely held using a novel low‐profile robot under foot and/or voice control. Using articulating instruments, each pig had bilateral reconstructive and extirpative renal surgery. Salient intraoperative and postmortem data were recorded. Results were analysed statistically to determine if outcomes improved with surgeon experience.

RESULTS

Five male farm pigs underwent bilateral partial nephrectomy and bilateral pyeloplasty before a completion bilateral radical nephrectomy. There were no intraoperative complications and there was no need for additional ports to be placed. The mean (range) operative duration for partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, and nephrectomy were 120 (100–150), 110 (95–130) and 20 (15–30) min, respectively. The mean (range) estimated blood loss for all procedures was 240 (200–280) mL. The preparation time decreased with increasing number of cases (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a single‐port, a robotic endoscope holder and articulated instruments operated by one surgeon is feasible. With a single‐port access, the robot allows more room to the surgeon than an assistant.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy using intraoperative ultrasonography for left renal cell carcinoma involving a level I renal vein tumor thrombus

This report concerns two male patients, 65 (case 1) and 72 (case 2) years old, with a left renal tumor involving a level I renal vein tumor thrombus, who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy using intraoperative ultrasonography. With the patient in the flank position, a midline supraumbilical hand port and two other ports were placed. Intraoperative ultrasonography identified the extent of the tumor thrombus. After hilar control, complete resection with intact removal was performed. Surgery lasted 305 min for case 1 and 237 min for case 2, with respective estimated blood loss of 410 mL and 572 mL. No postoperative complications occurred. Pathological examination showed a clear cell carcinoma with a level I tumor thrombus and negative surgical margins. Because the ultrasound probe can be easily inserted and the specimen can be extracted safely and intact, hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is practicable and effective for left renal cell carcinoma involving a level I renal vein tumor thrombus.     

后腹腔镜活体供肾切取术115例总结

目的总结后腹腔镜下亲属活体供肾切取术115例的经验。方法我院自2003年12月至2008年11月共行后腹腔镜下亲属活体供肾切取术115例,手术常规取腰部3个穿刺点入路,在肾脂肪囊内游离肾脏后,输尿管游离至肾脏下极7．8cm处剪断,肾动脉和肾静脉用直线切割器（Endo—cut）切断或用hem—o—lok（Weck,USA）夹闭后剪断,立即取出肾脏用4℃肾脏保存液（HCA）灌注肾脏。用直线切割器处理肾血管3例,用hem—o—lok处理肾血管112例。结果115例手术均获得成功,手术时间90min（60～180min）。术中出血量60ml（20-200ml）,所有供者不需输血。供肾热缺血时间4．5min（3～8min）。发生手术并发症3例,为术后肾区血肿,均自行吸收,无不良影响,其余供者均无异常。术后住院时间平均为5．7d（4～9d）。115例供者中95例得到随访,平均随访42个月（1．58个月）,均健康。结论后腹腔镜下亲属活体供肾切取术安全、可靠,可替代传统开放取肾手术,但要求术者有娴熟的腹腔镜技术。     

Renal vein extension using an autologous renal vein in a living donor with double inferior vena cava: a case report

Background

When the kidney from a living donor with a double inferior vena cava (IVC) is harvested for renal transplantation, the short length of the renal vein may eventually create a technical problem for graft implantation. Herein, we have reported a rare case of renal vein extension using an autologous renal vein in a living donor with a double IVC.

Case Report

A 70-year-old man with end-stage renal disease owing to autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease underwent a living donor kidney graft from his wife who had a double IVC. Because of the enlarged kidneys, the patient underwent a bilateral native nephrectomy with concomitant renal transplantation to create space in the pelvis. At nephrectomy, the recipient's renal vein was used to extend the donor renal vein. On the back table, the vein graft was sutured to the donor renal vein, permitting a 3.0-cm extension.

Results

The transplantation was performed safely without any complications; the recipient's renal function and blood flow were excellent after the operation.

Conclusion

This case illustrated that an autologous renal vein graft is a preferable option to extend of short donor renal vein for recipients who require a simultaneous native nephrectomy.     

Renal Vein Extension Using Gonadal Vein: A Useful Strategy for Right Kidney Living Donor Harvested Using Laparoscopy

Introduction

Vascular management of the right renal vein during laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy is still an unsolved problem. This short vessel has limited the use of right kidneys. However, the right kidney should be harvested in some instances. Based on experience in open donor nephrectomy, our unit has used the donor gonadal vein to obtain a longer renal vein in this setting.

Methods

Four consecutive living related donors with the indication for laparoscopic right nephrectomy underwent this procedure. Three donors were females and the overall average age was 48.5 years. The renal vein was controlled with a 30-mm stapler and we included 5-6 cm of the ipsilateral gonadal vein during the harvest. The donor kidney was perfused and renal vessels prepared under cold conditions. The gonadal vein was opened longitudinally and sutured to the donor right renal vein as a wide tube in 3 cases and as a spiral tube in 1 case with 6-0 monofilament suture.

Results

This procedure extended the bench work between 25 to 40 minutes permitting an 2.5- to 3.5-cm extension of the donor vein. The transplantations were performed in the usual mode and the vein enlargement enormously facilitated the implantation surgery. All recipients displayed immediate graft function; no complications were observed with this strategy.

Conclusions

Vein extension with the gonadal vein was a simple, safe method to enlarge the renal vein among right living donor kidneys procured using laparoscopy.     

Single access site laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: initial clinical experience

PURPOSE: We present the initial clinical experience with single access site (SAS) laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 86-year-old woman presented with an 8-cm central-enhancing right renal lesion. The patient elected to undergo a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. A 7-cm paramedian incision was made just lateral to the left rectus muscle and cranial to the umbilicus. A GelPort was inserted into the incision. Three trocars (12 mm, 10 mm, and 5 mm) were placed through the access port, and only standard laparoscopic instruments were used. The kidney was mobilized in the standard fashion. Controlling the renal artery with nonabsorbable polymer clips and the renal vein with a stapling device, the specimen was manipulated into a laparoscopic retrieval bag and removed intact. Hemostasis was confirmed, the GelPort was removed, and the 7-cm incision was closed. RESULTS: The procedure was completed in 96 minutes without complications. Blood loss was estimated to be 10 mL. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with intermittent intravenous and oral analgesics. She was discharged on postoperative day 2 and tolerated a regular diet. CONCLUSION: This represents the initial report of an SAS laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, with intact specimen extraction. Using standard laparoscopic instrumentation, the procedure was performed safely and effectively, with minimal blood loss, and short hospitalization. Additional evaluation and development of this type of approach and instrumentation may allow for further expansion of SAS laparoscopic surgery in the future.     

Pure ‘natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery’ for transvaginal nephrectomy in the porcine model

OBJECTIVES

To determine the technical feasibility and reproducibility of pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) transvaginal nephrectomy using NOTES‐specific instrumentation, with no transabdominal assistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five female farm pigs (mean weight 45 kg) had a right NOTES nephrectomy, using a single‐channel gastroscope in the first three pigs and a dual‐channel gastroscope in the remaining two. The peritoneal cavity was accessed through the posterior fornix of the vagina. Dissection was started at the lower pole of the kidney, and the ureter was retracted laterally and followed towards the hilum. An XL articulated 60 cm endo‐GIA stapler (US Surgical, Norwalk, CO, USA), inserted transvaginally via a separate vaginal incision, was used for tissue retraction and renal hilar transection. The kidney was freed, entrapped in an impermeable sac, and extracted intact transvaginally.

RESULTS

All five procedures were successful with no addition of a transabdominal laparoscopic port or open conversion. The total operative duration decreased from 200 min in the first pig to 60 min in the last (mean 113 min); the mean blood loss was <50 mL, the mean kidney length was 13.9 cm and the weight was 142 g. There were no intraoperative complications; at autopsy, there was no pelvic or bowel injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Pure NOTES transvaginal nephrectomy is feasible in the porcine model. It has the potential of a less morbid approach, providing truly scar‐less surgery. Further development of instrumentation is necessary.     

经腹膜后隙途径腹腔镜活体供肾切取32例

目的 探讨经腹膜后隙途径腹腔镜活体供肾切取的技术和效果。方法 32名供者中，男性15名，女性17名。29例取左肾，3例取右肾。供者全身麻醉，取侧卧位，共选3个穿刺点，第1个穿刺点选在12肋缘下2cm与骶棘肌外侧缘1cm交叉点，第2个穿刺点选在第1个穿刺点向前8～10cm，或肋缘下2cm与腋前线交叉点，第3个穿刺点位于髂棘上2cm与腋中线交叉点，分别插入12mm、10mm和5mm的Trocar。以自制水囊扩张器扩张腹膜后隙，游离供肾和输尿管，前6例用直线切割缝合器切断肾动脉和静脉，后26例用带锁的塑料夹夹闭切断肾动脉和静脉，在第1个穿刺点向下的延长切口将肾取出。结果 32只供肾切取顺利，手术耗时60～180min，出血量20～200ml，供肾热缺血时间3～8min，冷缺血时间25～50min。3只肾静脉较短，分别为1cm、1．5cm和2cm，另有1只供肾动脉内膜损伤。移植术后第1d，受者的尿量为2800-10 100ml，无移植肾功能恢复延迟发生。结论 经腹膜后隙途径腹腔镜活体供肾切取是安全、可行的，对供者创伤小，所获供肾的质量较好，但要求有熟练的腹腔镜技术。     

后腹腔镜活体供肾切取术(附视频)

目的总结后腹腔镜下亲属活体供肾切取术经验。方法 2003年12月至2011年12月北京大学第三医院泌尿外科共行后腹腔镜下亲属活体供肾切取术151例,手术常规取腰部3个穿刺点入路,在脂肪囊内游离肾,输尿管游离至肾下极7～8cm处夹闭远端剪断,肾动脉和肾静脉用直线切割器切断(3例)或用hem-o-lok(148例)夹闭后剪断,立即取出肾,用4℃肾保存液灌注。结果 151例手术均顺利,平均手术时间(86.0±13.6)min(54～180min),术中出血量(57.1±12.3)mL(20～200mL),所有供者均不需输血。供肾平均热缺血时间(3.6±1.2)min(2～8min)。发生术后肾区血肿3例,均自行吸收,无不良影响,其余供者均无异常。术后住院(4.8±1.7)d(3.5～9d)。受者均无移植物功能延迟发生。结论后腹腔镜下亲属活体供肾切取术安全可靠,经不断的技术改进可降低术者学习曲线,提高供肾质量。     

Percutaneous Ureteral Elevation in Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Radical Nephrectomy

Background and Objectives:

To describe our technique of suture-assisted ureteral retraction during Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) radical nephrectomy.

Materials and Methods:

A healthy, 39-year-old woman with an incidental 5-cm enhancing left renal mass elected to undergo radical nephrectomy. A 2-cm skin incision was made in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, and a Covidien SILS port was introduced using standard Hasson techniques. Straight and angled laparoscopic instruments were used to mobilize the kidney outside of Gerota''s fascia. To place the renal vessels on stretch and facilitate hilar dissection, the ureter and lower pole attachments were encircled with a 0-Vicryl suture inserted percutaneously via a disposable fascial closure device. The kidney was bagged and removed intact.

Results:

The procedure was performed without complication with a total operative time of 265 minutes. EBL was minimal at 25mL. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 1, and final pathology revealed stage pT1b chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with negative surgical margins.

Conclusion:

LESS radical nephrectomy is feasible in select patients. Suture-assisted retraction of the ureter and lower pole attachments using a fascial closure device facilitates safe dissection and control of the renal hilum.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Among patients with renal insufficiency secondary to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the onset of refractory urinary infection, hypertension, pain, or hematuria often necessitates a nephrectomy. However, the huge size of these kidneys makes a standard laparoscopic approach difficult, and the increased fragility of these patients makes an open nephrectomy risky. A compromise position has been found in the realm of hand-assisted laparoscopic techniques, especially for patients in need of a bilateral nephrectomy. TECHNIQUE: Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (HALN) is performed via a hand-assist device placed in the midline. A subxiphoid midline port and a midclavicular subcostal port are placed on the ipsilateral side. The right hand is inserted for left nephrectomy and the left hand for a right nephrectomy. The laparoscope is introduced into the subxiphoid port, and the surgeon's primary working instrument is passed via the midclavicular port. Occasionally, it is helpful to place a 5-mm subcostal port in the midaxillary line to aid in retracting the kidney. Once the kidney is devascularized, it is removed via the 7- to 8-cm hand-assist incision; drainage of cysts may be necessary during extraction to reduce the kidney size so that it can be withdrawn. If a bilateral approach is to be done, then after the first nephrectomy, the lateral 5-mm port is closed, and the table is rolled such that the contralateral side is elevated about 30 degrees to 45 degrees; a subcostal midclavicular 12-mm port is placed, and, if needed, a 5-mm port is inserted subcostally in the midaxillary line for renal retraction. RESULTS: Seven bilateral hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy cases have been reported. In two reports, the mean operating times were 4.8 and 5.5 hours. The mean estimated blood loss was <350 mL. CONCLUSION: The hand-assisted laparoscopic approach makes both unilateral and bilateral nephrectomy feasible in ADPKD patients with acceptable morbidity.     

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: single-center experience in Egypt with 400 consecutive cases

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we present our experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and evaluate the outcomes of donors and recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and August 2006, 400 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies were performed in our institution. Donors were evaluated for renal vasculature using computed tomography angiography. We used the left kidney in 329 donors and the right kidney in 71. Donor surgeries were done transperitoneally using three trocars on the left side and four trocars on the right side. Kidneys were extracted manually through a 7-cm Pfanenstiel incision. RESULTS: All cases were completed laparoscopically. Mean operative time was 117 +/- 34 minutes. Mean blood loss was 56 +/- 28 mL. None of the donors required a blood transfusion. Mean warm ischemia time was 2.6 +/- 0.4 minutes. The mean renal artery length was 3.1 +/- 0.4 cm; the mean renal vein length was 2.4 +/- 1.2 cm. Mean hospital stay was 2.1 days. No donor required readmission. Kidneys were transplanted successfully and the mean recipient creatinine on discharge was 1.2 +/- 0.6 mg/dL. One patient had a renal artery thrombosis on postoperative day 2. Another patient with double renal arteries had thrombosis of the smaller artery just after surgery. Acute tubular necrosis was seen in 17 patients, four of whom required dialysis. Kidney function recovered thereafter in all acute tubular necrosis cases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach for living donor nephrectomy with good functional outcomes. The donor benefits from lesser morbidity without compromising the anatomic or physiological outcome of the nephrectomized kidney.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy in a patient with renal artery aneurysm

Among the transplantation teams there is an increasing interest in laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. For technical reasons, the use of the left kidney is recommended. However, considering the shortage of organ donors, it is likely that right-side laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy will need to be considered in selected donors, even those with vascular anomalies. Here we report the first case of right-side live donor laparoscopic nephrectomy in a patient with a renal artery aneurysm. Arteriography showed a 3-cm saccular aneurysm of the main right renal artery located at the bifurcation of the secondary branches and associated with an inferior polar artery coming directly from the aorta. The patient was placed in the lumbotomy position. An 8-cm midline incision was made above the umbilicus to insert the HandPort system (Smith & Nephew S.A., 72019 Le Mans Cedex2, France). Four additional trocars were introduced. Dissection of the renal artery was carried out beyond the level of relieving the aneurysm behind the vena cava. The main and polar arteries were clipped, and the renal vein was stapled. The kidney was removed through the HandPort and perfused cold ex vivo. The warm ischemia time for the kidney was 1 min, and the total operative time was 280 min. Vascular abnomalies were corrected ex vivo. The postoperative course of the donor was uneventful. At 6 months after transplantation, the graft function was normal. The hand-assisted approach is of particular value on the right side where the dissection must be carried out behind the vena cava. The HandPort may save few precious minutes over the sac extraction technique of the standard laparoscopic procedure.     

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy in a Pelvic Ectopic Kidney: Keys to Success

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy of a pelvic kidney for renal cell carcinoma is a procedure with little precedent, but one that offers the advantages of the minimally invasive approach. We present our experience with this unique procedure.

Methods:

A 64-year-old male with a history of end-stage renal disease was diagnosed with a 2.6-cm enhancing mass in a pelvic left kidney with 2 separate sources of blood supply. He was offered either an open radical nephrectomy or a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and opted for the minimally invasive approach.

Results:

The procedure was performed successfully without complications and with minimal blood loss. The case was marked both by difficulty in mobilizing the sigmoid colon and the limited working space of the pelvis, which made localization of the numerous hilar vessels challenging.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for a pelvic ectopic kidney appears to be safe and efficacious. Success is dependent on familiarity with pelvic anatomy, optimal port placement, and preprocedure knowledge of the often-complicated vascular anatomy of the ectopic kidney. Preoperative imaging to delineate anomalous vascular anatomy is mandatory, and ureteral catheter placement is helpful for intraoperative identification purposes.     

Rapid communication: robot-assisted NOTES nephrectomy: initial report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) using the daVinci robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) has never been applied to urologic surgery. Here we present our initial experience with a combined transvaginal and transcolonic, single-port, robot-assisted NOTES nephrectomy. METHODS: An acute experiment was performed in a female farm pig. A single 12-mm trocar was placed in the midline, and two 12-mm standard laparoscopic ports were placed into the abdomen via the vagina and the colon. The robotic ports were then telescoped into the 12-mm ports, and the daVinci S robot was docked. Dissection was performed using the Hot Shears and the ProGrasp instruments. The robotic camera was placed via the midline port and held by an assistant. Using the 12-mm transvaginal port, the renal artery and vein were divided separately with a vascular Endo GIA (US Surgical, Norwalk, CT) stapler. The kidney was placed into a 10-mm entrapment sack and removed intact via the vagina. RESULTS: Total operative time was 150 minutes. Estimated blood loss was less than 50 mL. No intraoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: A robot-assisted NOTES nephrectomy was accomplished in a porcine model using the daVinci S robot. Additional testing on survival animals is necessary to further explore this approach.     

Pelvic angiomyolipoma

A case of renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) after partial nephrectomy for an 11-cm renal tumor is reviewed. Symptoms, computed tomography (CT) scan images and angiography are all displayed. A 57-year-old woman was readmitted 4 months after she underwent a retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for an 11-cm right renal tumor. Contrast CT revealed a 10.3-cm mass recurrence in the same position as her former tumor. Renal arteriography confirmed active bleeding from the anterior upper pole segmental branch into a 3 × 3 × 7-cm pseudoaneurysm. Percutaneous selective coil angioembolization was successfully performed. The remaining kidney parenchyma was fully preserved.     

Laparoscopic ice slush renal hypothermia for partial nephrectomy: the initial experience

PURPOSE: We describe a novel technique of laparoscopic renal hypothermia with intracorporeal ice slush during partial nephrectomy as well as clinical experience with the initial 12 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 select patients with an infiltrating renal tumor who were candidates for nephron sparing surgery underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with renal hypothermia. An Endocatch II (United States Surgical Corp., Norwalk, Connecticut) bag was placed around the mobilized kidney and its drawstring was cinched around the intact renal hilum. The renal artery and vein were occluded en bloc with a Satinsky clamp. The bottom of the engaged bag was retrieved through a 12 mm port site and opened, and ice slush was introduced within the bag to completely surround the kidney. After renal hypothermia was achieved laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed by duplicating open surgical techniques. Renal parenchymal temperature was measured using a thermocouple needle in 5 patients. Median tumor size was 3.2 cm (range 1.5 to 5.5), 6 tumors (50%) were central in location and an imperative indication for partial nephrectomy was present in 7 patients (58%). RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed laparoscopically without open conversion. Median time to deploy the bag around the kidney was 7 minutes (range 5 to 20), the median volume of ice slush introduced was 600 cc (range 300 to 750) and the time needed to insert the ice slush was 4 minutes (range 3 to 10). Median blood loss was 200 cc, total ischemia time was 43.5 minutes (range 25 to 55) and total operative time was 4.3 hours (range 3 to 5.5). Nadir renal parenchymal temperature was 5C to 19C and the mean decrease in systemic temperature was 0.6C. Histopathology confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 11 patients (92%), of whom all had negative surgical margins. Intraoperative complications occurred in 2 initial patients, including partial bag slippage in 1 and Satinsky clamp malfunction in 1. Postoperatively renal scan confirmed a functioning ipsilateral kidney in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge we present the initial clinical report of laparoscopic renal hypothermia for partial nephrectomy. By replicating standard open surgical practice our intracorporeal ice slush technique has the potential to extend the scope of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to more complicated renal tumors.     

LAPAROSCOPIC BILATERAL HAND ASSISTED NEPHRECTOMY FOR AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE: INITIAL EXPERIENCE

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.     

脐部单切口三孔腹腔镜在泌尿外科手术中的应用

目的 总结脐部单切口三孔腹腔镜在泌尿外科手术中的应用经验. 方法脐部单切口三孔腹腔镜手术32例.男10例,女22例.平均年龄22(16～35)岁.其中精索静脉曲张7例、单纯性肾囊肿12例、双侧肾囊肿1例、多囊肾1例、左侧肾上腺肿瘤3例、右侧肾上腺肿瘤1例、左侧输尿管上段结石1例、重度肾积水2例、萎缩无功能肾4例.在脐部作1.0～3.0 cm切口,置入3只10 mm或5 mm套管作为视孔及操作孔,腹腔镜下常规操作,完成泌尿外科手术. 结果精索静脉曲张手术时间平均15(10～20)min,术中无明显出血;肾囊肿手术时间平均40(30～53)min,术中无明显出血;肾上腺肿瘤手术时间平均68(57～120)min,术中出血量平均30(20～60)ml;输尿管切开取石86 min,术中出血50 ml,肾切除手术时间平均65(45～135)min,术中出血量平均110(90～150)ml.术后排气时间平均8.5(4～12)h.住院时间平均5.5(3～8)d.32例平均随访时间2(1～3)个月,脐部切口愈合好,腹部无可见瘢痕,无脐疝等并发症. 结论脐部单切口三孔腹腔镜治疗泌尿外科疾病安全有效,可使泌尿外科手术成为一种无瘢痕的美容手术.     

A 3 trocar technique for transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy

PURPOSE: Additional trocars and retractor instruments may enhance the risk of iatrogenic injuries during laparoscopic nephrectomy. We describe a modified technique of laparoscopic nephrectomy requiring only 3 ports of entry and no extra instruments instead of the 5 ports, 2 of which are used for retractors, usually required. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the patient in full flank position a 10 mm. trocar is inserted between the umbilicus and subcostal margin, a 5 mm. trocar is placed subcostal in the midclavicular line and a 12 mm. trocar is inserted over the iliac crest in the anterior axillary line. The first step is incision of the line of Toldt and medial reflection of the colon. During the second step of vascular controls the posterosuperior attachments of the kidney are left untouched, keeping the renal vessels stretched, with no need for an extra instrument. The third step consists of severing the remaining posterior and superior attachments of the kidney followed by specimen retrieval. A total of 14 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy with this technique. RESULTS: All 14 procedures were completed without an additional port. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, except 1 abdominal wall hematoma. Mean operating time was 120 minutes (range 70 to 230) and mean hospital stay was 5 days (range 3 to 7). CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy with laparoscopic access limited to 3 trocars is a reliable and safe technique.