A Simple Approach to Specimen Retrieval via Posterior Colpotomy Incision

Introduction:

Posterior colpotomy incision for specimen retrieval is infrequently used in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery unless a concomitant hysterectomy is performed. We aim to describe a simple and unique technique for creating the colpotomy incision and to describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

Fifty patients underwent adnexal specimen retrieval through a posterior colpotomy incision. After devascularization and detachment of the adnexal specimen, the posterior cul-de-sac was visualized. The colpotomy incision was created by introducing a 12- or 15-mm laparoscopic trocar through the vagina into the posterior vaginal fornix under direct visualization. Specimens were placed into laparoscopic bags and removed through the vagina. The colpotomy incision was closed vaginally. Charts were reviewed for intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

Twenty-nine women underwent adnexal surgery for an adnexal mass, 14 women underwent surgery for pelvic pain, and 7 women underwent adnexal surgery for primary prevention of malignancy. The specimens removed ranged in size from 2 to 16 cm (mean 5.7). The mean time patients were under anesthesia was 103 minutes (SD 57.3). There were no operative complications related to the colpotomy incision and no cases of postoperative vaginal cellulitis or pelvic infection were reported. Only 1 woman with a prior vaginal delivery reported dyspareunia postoperatively.

Conclusion:

This simple technique for posterior colpotomy incision can easily be added to the gynecologic surgeon''s armamentarium and can be safely used for most women.     

经阴道纯NOTES肾切除术2例报告并文献复习

目的：评价经阴道纯自然腔道内镜手术（NOTES）肾切除术的临床可行性和有效性。方法：对1例右肾无功能和1例左。肾结石并左肾萎缩、左肾无功能的女性患者行经阴道纯NOTES肾切除术。患者取全麻,截石位。切开阴道后穹窿,置入Triport及操作器械。所有操作均经此Triport完成,按照普通腹腔镜肾切除方法游离并切除患肾,装入自制标本袋,自阴道后穹窿切口取出。留置盆腔引流管,缝合阴道后穹窿切口。结果：手术均顺利完成,术中未出现肠管、实质性器官和大血管损伤等并发症。手术时间分别为330min、300min,术中失血量分别为300ml、250ml。例1、2分别于术后第2、1天下床活动,第3、2天肛门通气并进饮食。2例均于术后第6天痊愈出院,患者体表均无切口或穿刺孔。结论：经阴道纯NOTES肾切除术临床应用可行,美容优势明显,可在临床选用。但仍需进一步研发、完善相关器械。     

Laparoscopic appendectomy: a gynecological approach

The removal of surgical specimen at operative laparoscopy through an incision of the posterior fornix is frequently performed for the removal of pelvic masses of the internal genital tract. We present a technique for the removal of the appendix through a laparoscopic colpotomy. Eight patients who underwent laparoscopy for a suspected pelvic or adnexal disease and intraoperatively found to be affected by an appendicular disease were included in the present series. After intrabdominal dissection, the appendix was removed from the abdomen transvaginally through a laparoscopic colpotomy. The median range of the operation was 45 minutes (range 25-95). There were no intraoperative complications. The postoperative hospitalization period ranged from 2 to 7 days. Vaginal spotting was present in one case and lasted 24 hours. At follow-up visit, no patients complained of pelvic pain or dyspareunia. Vaginal wall induration was not found in any of the patients at pelvic examination. The removal of the appendix through a posterior colpotomy after laparoscopic appendectomy is simple, safe, feasible, well tolerated, and can be considered a valid alternative to other methods.     

经阴道NOTES辅助腹腔镜下肾切除术

目的 探讨经阴道NOTES辅助腹腔镜下肾切除术的安全性和可行性.方法 应用经阴道NOTES辅助腹腔镜技术行肾切除术5例.均为女性,中位年龄41(36～63)岁.其中输尿管结石并肾重度积水无功能肾4例,结核肾1例;左侧2例,右侧3例.全麻,截石位,患侧垫高约60.,于左右脐缘置入5 mm和10 mm套管;自阴道后穹窿置入10 mm套管,并由此置入腹腔镜,充分游离患肾后完整切除,装入标本袋自阴道后穹窿切口取出.结果 5例手术均成功完成.术中术后未发生并发症.中位手术时间190(150～260)min,术中中位失血量185(150～210)ml.5例术后第1天下床活动,第2天排气并进饮食.腹腔及盆腔引流管引流液少,术后第3天B超检查腹腔及盆腔无积液,先后拔除引流管.术后第7天脐部切口拆线痊愈出院,经窥阴器检查阴道后穹窿切口愈合良好.结论 经阴道NOTES辅助腹腔镜下肾切除术安全可行,较普通腹腔镜和单孔腹腔镜手术创伤更小,美容效果更佳.     

Scarless hepatectomy: natural orifice specimen extraction after left lateral sectionectomy

Background

The use of laparoscopy in liver surgery is well established and considered as the gold standard for small resections. The laparoscopic resections have lower morbidity and better cosmetic results, but still require an incision to remove the surgical specimen. The possibility of remove the specimen through natural orifices and avoid an abdominal incision may further improve the benefits offered by minimally invasive procedures.

Aim

To describe the technique of transvaginal extraction of the specimen after laparoscopic liver left lateral sectionectomy.

Method

The laparoscopic liver resection is performed in a standard fashion. After completing the resection, the specimen is placed into a retrieval plastic bag. To perform de extraction, a vaginal colpotomy is performed, guided by a 12 mm trocar introduced through the vagina. Then the extraction bag is removed pulling the bag through the extended incision in the posterior wall of the vagina. After the extraction, the colpotomy incision is closed laparoscopically.

Results

This technique was performed in a 74-year-old woman with a 3 cm lesion between liver segments 2 and 3. She had a fast and uneventful recovery.

Conclusion

This technique appears to be feasible, safe and avoid the complications of an abdominal incision.     

Total laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with transvaginal specimen extraction is feasible in advanced gastric cancer

PurposeNatural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) is an ever-evolving advanced laparoscopic technique. NOSE minimizes surgical injury, involving a low risk of wound complications, fewer incisional hernias, faster recovery and less postoperative pain. Laparoscopic gastrectomy combined with NOSE is a procedure that can potentiate the advantages of both minimal invasive techniques. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with transvaginal specimen extraction in advanced gastric cancer.CaseA 72-year-old woman with a 2 cm adenocarcinoma in gastric antrum was treated by laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy and lymph node dissection. A totally laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy was constructed. Specimen was extracted through the posterior fornix of vagina without difficulty. Histopathology confirmed pT3pN0 tumor. After a 10-month follow-up the patient was asymptomatic and getting adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.ConclusionsTransvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic gastric resection for advanced gastric cancer is a feasible procedure. It is offered to selected patients and of course only to female patients. Natural orifice surgery may provide faster recovery and decrease the wound related complications which may cause a delay on postoperative adjuvant chemo–radio therapies. We have presented, as far as we know, the first human case of a transvaginal extraction of an advanced gastric cancer after laparoscopic gastrectomy.     

Totally laparoscopic anterior resection with transvaginal assistance and transvaginal specimen extraction: a technique for natural orifice surgery combined with reduced-port surgery

Background

Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) has been developed as a means of decreasing the incidence of surgical wound complications. However, NOSE performed using a conventional multiport technique has been reported previously. The current authors performed totally laparoscopic anterior resection with transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) using the reduced-port surgery (RPS) technique. The Alexis wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA) and Free Access (Top Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were attached to the transvaginal route for transvaginal assistance and smooth specimen extraction. The authors documented this simple and safe technique and its short-term results.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected for five patients who underwent totally laparoscopic anterior resection with TVSE for colorectal cancer between June 2012 and December 2012. A multiport access device (GelPOINT advanced-access platform; Applied Medical) was inserted into the navel, and a 5-mm port was inserted into the right lower quadrant to be used as a drain site. Transverse transvaginal posterior colpotomy then was performed. One ring of an Alexis ring pair was inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the vagina. The other white ring was placed outside of the vagina and then covered with a Free Access to maintain the pneumoperitoneum for insertion of a 12-mm port. Lymph node dissection and transection of the distal colon were performed with transvaginal assistance. The specimen then was extracted transvaginally. After the Alexis had been removed, the vaginal incision was closed transvaginally. End-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed using the double-stapling technique.

Results

Transvaginal extraction was completed in all five cases. The median operation time was 235 min. One case was complicated by chyloperitoneum. The median hospital stay was 6 days. Only one patient required intravenous analgesics once on postoperative day 1. All the patients remained disease free.

Conclusion

Totally laparoscopic anterior resection using TVSE with RPS appears to be feasible, safe, and oncologically acceptable for selected cases.     

Robotic‐Assisted Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy with Transvaginal Extraction of the Kidney

Transvaginal recovery of the kidney has recently been reported, in a donor who had previously undergone a hysterectomy, as a less‐invasive approach to perform laparoscopic live‐donor nephrectomy. Also, robotic‐assisted laparoscopic kidney donation was suggested to enhance the surgeon's skills during renal dissection and to facilitate, in a different setting, the closure of the vaginal wall after a colpotomy. We report here the technique used for the first case of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic live‐donor nephrectomy with transvaginal extraction of the graft in a patient with the uterus in place. The procedure was carried out by a multidisciplinary team, including a gynecologist. Total operative time was 215 min with a robotic time of 95 min. Warm ischemia time was 3 min and 15 s. The kidney was pre‐entrapped in a bag and extracted transvaginally. There was no intra‐ or postoperative complication. No infection was seen in the donor or in the recipient. The donor did not require postoperative analgesia and was discharged from the hospital 24 h after surgery. Our initial experience with the combination of robotic surgery and transvaginal extraction of the donated kidney appears to open a new opportunity to further minimize the trauma to selected donors.     

Posterior colpotomy: a successful retrieval route for pelvic masses following robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery

We report a technique of transvaginal extraction of pelvic masses or larger specimens removed during robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in order to avoid larger port incisions and postoperatively reduce pain. Fifty women underwent a transvaginal incision to remove large pelvic masses after robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies. Posterior colpotomies were performed with bagged specimens delivered into the vagina, extracted, and then closed robotically with a running suture. Vaginal extraction of pelvic masses was successful in all attempted cases and in no case was there any spillage, with an average operative time of 94.22?±?4.48 and no intraoperative complications. This technique can be considered efficacious and safe with minimal morbidity. We suggest a surgical set-up including vaginal?Ccervical Ahluwalia retractor elevator to be prepared should the specimen be too large to remove via the port site, thus giving the surgeon the opportunity to perform this procedure with ease if necessary.     

Vaginal extraction of pelvic masses following operative laparoscopy

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome of patients undergoing operative laparoscopy for a benign pelvic mass followed by vaginal extraction of the surgical specimen. Methods: Patients presenting with a suspected benign mass greater than 5 cm or an extrauterine pregnancy undergoing operative laparoscopy were considered eligible. Patients with endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and previous hysterectomy were excluded. In all cases the surgical specimen was removed through a colpotomy performed in laparoscopy at the level of the posterior vaginal fornix. Additionally, a review of the literature has been conducted to specifically address the incidence of colpotomy-related complications. Results: Sixty-three patients were included in the study. The median (range) time required to extract the freed mass to the complete suture of the colpotomy was 15 min (5–31). This time was significantly longer in patients with myomas than for others [median 21 min (range: 10–31) vs median 10 min (5–13), p<0.05]. No intra- and postoperative colpotomy related complications occurred. No patients complained dyspareunia at follow-up visits. A total of 23 studies were reviewed for a total of 501 patients and only one (0.2%) complication (severe vaginal bleeding) was directly attributable to the colpotomy. Conclusion: Removal of a pelvic mass through a laparoscopic colpotomy is feasible, safe, and offers better cosmetic results than transabdominal extraction of the surgical specimen.     

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.     

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted minilaparoscopic nephrectomy: a step towards scarless surgery

The feasibility of a transvaginal hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy has already been demonstrated using standard laparoscopic ports through the abdominal wall. We evaluated the feasibility of a transvaginal NOTES-assisted minilaparoscopic nephrectomy (mLN).The patient is positioned in a semilumbotomy position with legs separated to allow for vaginal access. A 3.5-mm port is placed at the umbilicus for a 30° laparoscope; two 3.5-mm ports are placed in the flank in the same location as for a standard transperitoneal nephrectomy; and a 12-mm port is placed through the vagina, perforating the vaginal wall. Kidney dissection is performed following the steps of a traditional nephrectomy. The renal pedicle is dissected and secured with Hem-o-Lok clips through the vaginal access port. The specimen is then extracted through an extended incision in the posterior wall of the vagina.We treated five patients. The average operative time was 120 min, blood loss was 160 ml, and no complications were recorded.Our initial experience suggests that transvaginal NOTES-assisted mLN is feasible and appears to be safe. It is simpler than a pure NOTES procedure and ensures excellent cosmetic results.     

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for cancer

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is a rapidly emerging technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Surgeons at multiple institutions have reported excellent technical results with this procedure, with encouraging safety and efficacy data and low complication rates comparable with the rates in open radical nephrectomy. Although debate continues regarding the pros and cons of the transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal approach and regarding morcellation versus intact specimen extraction, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is beginning to approach standard-of-care status at select institutions for tumors less than 8 cm in size. Although generally accepted indications for laparoscopic radical nephrectomy include T1-T2N0M0 tumors, increasing experience and operator confidence have allowed expansion of these indications to include select patients with nodal disease, preoperatively staged level I renal vein thrombus, cytoreductive surgery before immunotherapy protocols, and the rare patient with a laterally directed locally invasive (pT4N0M0) renal cell carcinoma.     

NOTES Hybrid Transvaginal Radical Nephrectomy for Tumor: Stepwise Progression Toward a First Successful Clinical Case

Background

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been used to perform nephrectomy in the laboratory; however, clinical reports to date have used multiple abdominal trocars to assist the transvaginal procedure.

Objective

To present our stepwise technique development and the first successful clinical case of NOTES transvaginal radical nephrectomy for tumor with umbilical assistance without extraumbilical skin incisions.

Design, setting, and participants

The four transvaginal NOTES procedures were performed at two institutions after obtaining institutional review board approval. Various operative steps were developed experimentally in three clinical cases, and on March 7, 2009, we performed the first successful case of NOTES hybrid transvaginal radical nephrectomy without any extraumbilical skin incisions. Using one multichannel access port in the vagina and one in the umbilicus, laparoscopic visualization, intraoperative tissue dissection, and hilar control were performed transvaginally and transumbilically. The intact specimen was extracted transvaginally.

Measurements

All perioperative data were accrued prospectively. A stepwise progression to the successful completion of the fourth case is systematically presented.

Results and limitations

Intraoperatively, at incrementally more advanced stages of the procedure, the first three NOTES clinical cases were electively converted to standard laparoscopy because of rectal injury during vaginal entry, of failure to progress, and of gradual bleeding during upper-pole dissection after transvaginal hilar control, respectively. The fourth case was successfully completed via transvaginal and umbilical access without conversion to standard laparoscopy. Operative time was 3.7 h, estimated blood loss was 150 cm³, and hospital stay was 1 d. Final pathology confirmed a 220-g, pT1b, 7-cm, grade 2, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma with negative margins. The patient was readmitted for an intraabdominal collection that responded to drainage and antibiotics.

Conclusions

We report our stepwise progression and the initial successful clinical case of NOTES hybrid transvaginal radical nephrectomy for tumor, assisted with only one umbilical trocar. Although transvaginal nephrectomy is feasible in the highly selected patient with favorable intraoperative circumstances, considerable refinements in technique and technology are necessary if this approach is to advance beyond mere anecdote.     

Intact specimen extraction during renal laparoscopy: muscle-splitting versus muscle-cutting incision

PURPOSE: To determine whether a muscle-splitting extraction incision decreases patient morbidity after renal laparoscopic surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients undergoing laparoscopic simple nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, or nephroureterectomy had intact specimen extraction through a muscle-splitting incision. The operative and recovery data of these patients were retrospectively compared with those of a matched cohort of 21 patients who underwent specimen extraction through a muscle-cutting incision. With the exception of a greater percentage of male patients in the muscle-cutting group (86% v 52%), there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. RESULTS: In the muscle-splitting and muscle-cutting groups, there was no significant differences in regard to analgesic use (9.0 +/- 6.6 mg of morphine sulfate equivalent v 7.9 +/- 4.9; P < 0.51), hospital stay (31.2 hours v 30 hours; P < 0.79), recovery (6.7 +/- 4.7 days v 5.7 +/- 4.7 days; P < 0.38), or convalescence (4.2 +/- 2.2 weeks v 4.1 +/- 2.0 weeks; P < 0.90). CONCLUSION: A muscle-splitting incision for intact renal specimen extraction does not necessarily decrease postoperative morbidity compared with a muscle-cutting extraction.     

经阴道联合腹腔镜下根治性女性全膀胱切除原位回肠新膀胱术

目的 探讨经阴道联合腹腔镜下根治性女性全膀胱切除及原位回肠新膀胱的手术方法.方法浸润性膀胱癌患者6例,平均年龄61(55～73)岁.5孔法先行腹腔镜下手术:游离输尿管后分侧清扫盆腔淋巴结;举宫器配合下,用血管闭合器LigaSure切断子宫相关韧带及膀胱两侧血管蒂;电凝钩分离子宫直肠陷窝及膀胱前间隙;LigaSure切断阴蒂背血管复合体;超声刀切开膀胱颈尿道后游离膀胱颈后壁至阴道前穹窿部.阴道手术:直视下剪开阴道前后穹窿,于阴道取出标本,缝合阴道.回肠新膀胱术:下腹正中4～5 cnl切口,将回肠拉出切口外,游离30～40 cm回肠,剖开后w形折叠缝合形成贮尿囊;插入法植入输尿管后将贮尿囊还纳腹腔.缝合切口后重新开启气腹,腔镜下行新膀胱尿道吻合. 结果 手术时间平均6.2(4～8)h;出血量平均665(400～1200)ml.术后1～3个月患者均恢复较满意的控尿功能,IVU显示双肾功能良好,无膀胱输尿管反流及梗阻.新膀胱最大容量平均427(300～600)ml.无新膀胱阴道瘘等需要手术处理的严重并发症.术后平均随访16(9～30)个月,6例均存活.1例术后8个月发现肝转移. 结论 经阴道联合腹腔镜下根治性女性全膀胱切除回肠新膀胱术治疗女性浸润性膀胱癌可行、有效,应用举宫器及经阴道直视下手术可一定程度上降低腹腔镜下全膀胱切除术的手术难度、缩短手术时间.由于阴道切口整齐、缝合确切,新膀胱阴道瘘等并发症的发生机会减少.     

Transvaginal nephrectomy with a multichannel laparoscopic port: a cadaver study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a novel port (QuadPort, Advanced Surgical Concepts, Wicklow, Ireland) can facilitate transvaginal nephrectomy (TN), a natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) procedure, using standard and articulating laparoscopic instruments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four fresh female cadavers were used in this feasibility study with a plan to perform two right‐sided and two left‐sided TN. Exclusion criteria were a history of nephrectomy and a height of >1.82 m. The cadaver was placed in the lithotomy position with the target side up 30–45°. A three‐channel R‐port (Advanced Surgical Concepts) was placed in the umbilicus to monitor the transvaginal procedure. The four‐channel QuadPort was placed through the posterior fornix into the peritoneal cavity. Regular laparoscopic instruments were used transvaginally to mobilize the colon, dissect the ureter, identify and divide the renal artery between clips, and divide the renal vein with a laparoscopic stapler. Remaining attachments of the kidney were divided and the specimen entrapped in a plastic bag before transvaginal extraction.

RESULTS

Three (two right‐ and one left‐sided) TNs were performed successfully; one left‐sided TN was aborted in the last cadaver due to dense pelvic adhesions from previous pelvic surgery. In the first two cadavers we required assistance from the umbilical port only to divide the attachments between the upper pole of the kidney and the diaphragm supero‐posteriorly. In the third case we were able to perform this dissection completely transvaginally using a flexible gastroscope.

CONCLUSIONS

A completely NOTES‐based TN in humans is challenging. Robust laparoscopic instruments have the requisite tensile strength when deployed through a large calibre, secure, multichannel transvaginal port. Extra‐long laparoscopic instruments are helpful. The cephalad aspect of the hilum and the upper pole attachments are difficult areas. Novel and robust flexible instruments still need to be developed.     

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal subtotal hysterectomy

BACKGROUND: A novel approach in combined laparoscopic and vaginal procedures through the posterior cul-de-sac for subtotal hysterectomy is introduced. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one women with menometrorrhagia, symptomatic adenomyosis, or uterine myomas were enrolled in this study. After laparoscopic dissection of bilateral round ligaments and adnexa, a guiding suture brought the uterine fundus down through the posterior cul-desac into the vagina via a posterior colpotomy. Subtotal hysterectomy and hemostasis of the cervical stump were then performed transvaginally by conventional techniques and equipment. RESULTS: Mean operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 111.2 +/- 28.8 minutes, 252.4 +/- 147.9 mL, and 3.2 +/- 0.9 days, respectively. No patients developed serious complications, but 1 patient had a postoperative stump infection and was treated with 2 combined antibiotics, uneventfully. CONCLUSION: A combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach in performing subtotal hysterectomy through the posterior cul-de-sac is an alternative to a purely laparoscopic approach.     

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.     

Transvaginal specimen extraction after combined laparoscopic splenectomy and hysterectomy: Introduction to NOSE (Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction) in a community hospital

INTRODUCTIONDevelopments in the field of minimally invasive surgery have led to interest in NOTES (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery). Even as technologies continue to evolve and develop, interest in some of the advantages of specimen retrieval transvaginally has been roused and we describe a case of combined laparoscopic splenectomy and hysterectomy with transvaginal retrieval of both specimens.PRESENTATION OF CASEPatient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy and robot-assisted hysterectomy with transvaginal delivery of specimens. Total operative time was 245 min with no complications. Closure of the colpotomy was achieved laparoscopically. Post-operative course was unremarkable. Patient has done well clinically at 18 months follow-up except for an episode of post-coital spotting, which resolved spontaneously.DISCUSSIONWe explored the technical feasibility of concurrent laparoscopic splenectomy and hysterectomy along with transvaginal retrieval of both solid organs without morcellation. We wanted to illustrate the fact that transvaginal organ extraction may be performed safely in a community or district hospital with standard instruments without incurring additional cost, morbidity or increased operating time.CONCLUSIONTransvaginal specimen retrieval was technically easy to accomplish. Our patient has not experienced any infectious complications or sexual dysfunction to date. For surgeons exploring an alternative to transabdominal specimen retrieval, transvaginal NOSE is an attractive proposition with several advantages. When combined with a gynecological procedure that involves a colpotomy, this may present a unique opportunity to explore the utility of NOSE.