Preliminary Study of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy on an Ambulatory Basis

Objective

Preliminary study to assess the feasibility and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) as an ambulatory procedure.

Patients and Methods

Between February 2011 and September 2012, 84 patients with renal calculi fulfilling the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Urology Department of Benha University Hospitals for PCNL. All patients were subjected to a full medical history, clinical, laboratory and radiological examinations. Tubeless PCNLs were done in the supine position, and an antegrade double-J stent was inserted. Operative time and intraoperative complications were recorded. Postoperatively, the hematocrit value, postoperative pain and analgesics, need of blood transfusion, stone-free rate, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Stable patients that could be safely discharged within 24 hours after surgery were considered ambulatory.

Results

All cases of tubeless PCNL were successfully done and no cases converted to open surgery. The overall stone-free rate was 91.7%, the mean postoperative pain score measured by the visual analog scale was 4.4 ± 1.2, the mean overall hematocrit deficit was 4.8 ± 2.2% and the mean hospital stay was 33.4 ± 17.5 hours. Ambulatory PCNL was accomplished in 60 out of 84 patients (71.4%) and double-J stents were removed 7-10 days postoperatively. In the non-ambulatory cases, double-J stents were removed after auxillary procedures were done according to each case.

Conclusion

PCNL can be safely done on an ambulatory basis under strict criteria, but further studies are needed to confirm and expand these findings.Key Words: Stones, Percutaneous nephrolithotomy     

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of paediatric urolithiasis

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has revolutionised the treatment of paediatric nephrolithiasis. Paediatric PCNL has been performed using both adult and paediatric instruments. Stone clearance rates and complications vary according to the technique used and surgeon experience. We present our experience with PCNL using adult instruments and a 28Fr access tract for large renal calculi in children under 18 years.

METHODS

All patients undergoing PCNL at our institution between 2000 and 2009 were reviewed. Demographics, surgical details and post-operative follow-up information were obtained to identify stone clearance rates and complications.

RESULTS

PCNL was performed in 32 renal units in 31 patients (mean age: 10.8 years). The mean stone diameter was 19mm (range: 5–40mm). Twenty-six cases required single puncture and six required multiple tracts. Overall, 11 staghorn stones, 10 multiple calyceal stones and 11 single stones were treated. Twenty-seven patients (84%) were completely stone free following initial PCNL. Two cases had extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for residual fragments, giving an overall stone free rate of 91% following treatment. There was no significant bleeding or sepsis encountered either during the operation or in the post-operative setting. No patient required or received a blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatric PCNL can be performed safely with minimal morbidity using adult instruments for large stone burden, enabling rapid and complete stone clearance.     

Supra-costal tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy is not associated with increased complication rate: a prospective study of safety and efficacy of supra-costal versus sub-costal access

Background

To assess the morbidities of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using supra-costal access and re-evaluate traditional concept of increased complications with supra-costal access.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2014, a single surgeon performed 118 consecutive one-stage fluoroscopic guided PCNL’s for complex renal and upper ureteral stone. Our definition for complex renal stone is defined as partial or complete staghorn stone, multiple renal stones in more than 2 calyxes, obstructive uretero-pelvic stone >?2?cm, and a renal stone in single functional kidney. Inclusion criteria include: staghorn stones, renal calculi >?2?cm in diameter, upper ureteral stone >?1.5?cm in diameter. Exclusion criteria for tubeless PCNL include: significant bleeding or perforation of the collecting system, large residue stone, multiple PCNL tract and obstructive renal anatomy. Morbidity, operation time, analgesia requirement, length of hospital stay, stone- free rate, were analyzed.

Results

Of the 118 consecutive PCNL, eighty-six patients underwent tubeless PCNL (56 supra-costal and 30 sub-costal) and included in our prospective follow-up period. The mean age, operation side, stone locations were similar. The male to female ratio is higher in supra-costal than sub-costal. Large renal stones and staghorn stones makes up for most patients (supra-costal: 75%, sub-costal: 80%). The stone–free rate of supra-costal group was 59% (33/56) and in sub-costal group was 50% (15/30). The operative times, length of stay, post-op analgesic use, hematocrit change was similar in both groups. The overall complication rate is 6% [supra-costal (1/56), sub-costal (4/30)] with the majority being infectious complications.

Conclusions

Supra-costal access above 12th rib during tubeless PCNL is safe and effective procedure and is not associated with higher incidence of post-op complications in experience hands.

     

Considerations in Minimally Invasive Surgery for Renal and Ureteric Calculi: A Bicenter Quality Control Study

Background

The use of minimally invasive surgery is increasing. Evaluating the quality of care brings new sights in the optimization of operating techniques.

Methods

We included all procedures performed in two hospitals during 2010 and 2011. A total of 264 patients were included in the ureterorenoscopy (URS) group and 77 patients in the percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (PCNL) group. Data were gathered by retrospectively reviewing medical records.

Results

Mean stone diameter in the URS group was 9 mm. Patients suffered from a single stone in 79% of the cases. Calculi in the distal ureter, defined as the part of the ureter below the lower border of the sacroiliac joint, were most likely to be removed. A stone-free status was reached in 69% of the cases using URS. Mean stone diameter in the PCNL group was 23 mm. PCNL was successful in 70% of the cases in Haga Hospital versus 53% in Medisch Centrum Haaglanden. Incidence of complications was comparable between the hospitals (p = 0.5). Outcome and quality of both PCNL and URS was not influenced by sex, age or body mass index.

Conclusion

The clinical results were comparable with results in the literature. Further improvement can be made by optimization of technical aspects and centralization of treatment by urologists experienced in minimally invasive techniques.Key Words: Urolithiasis, Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Ureterorenoscopy, Minimally invasive surgery     

Fibrin sealant enables tubeless percutaneous stone surgery

Purpose:

Fibrin sealant has been demonstrated to be safe and effective as a hemostatic agent and urinary tract sealant. We assessed the ability of fibrin sealant to facilitate tubeless management after uncomplicated percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Materials and Methods:

Eight consecutive patients underwent single access tubeless PCNL for renal calculi in a total of 9 renal units in a 2-month period. An additional patient with distal ureteral obstruction underwent antegrade ureteroscopy for an 8 × 8 mm distal ureteral stone. Average patient age was 47 years and mean stone size was 3.37 cm² (range 0.64 to 9.90). Following complete stone clearance a Double-J (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) ureteral stent was placed antegrade and 2 cc HEMASEEL APR (Haemacure Corp., Sarasota, Florida) fibrin sealant was injected under nephroscopic or fluoroscopic visualization into the parenchymal defect just within the renal capsule. Preoperative and postoperative hematocrit (HCT) was determined. Computerized tomography was performed on postoperative day 1 or 2 to evaluate retained stone fragments, perinephric fluid and urinary extravasation.

Results:

In the 10 renal units treated via this tubeless technique no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Average hospital stay was 1.1 days. All patients were discharged home on postoperative day 1 except 1 undergoing asynchronous bilateral PCNL on consecutive days. The mean intraoperative change in HCT was 2.8%. There was no significant change in HCT on postoperative day 1. No patient required transfusion. Seven renal units and 1 ureteral unit had no residual stone fragments for a complete stone-free rate of 80%. No gross leakage was observed on dressings and postoperative computerized tomography failed to demonstrate urinary extravasation.

Conclusions:

Tubeless PCNL using fibrin sealant at the renal parenchymal defect appears to be safe and feasible. Further experience is necessary to determine the role of fibrin sealant in percutaneous renal surgery.     

Laparoscopic Greater Curve Plication as an Outpatient Weight Loss Procedure

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic greater curve plication is emerging as a weight loss procedure that avoids many of the complications of other surgeries that require gastrointestinal division, amputation, or use of a foreign body. Cost savings and affordability have also been promoted, as plication does not require the use of stapling devices, adjustable gastric bands, or prolonged hospitalization. The ability to predictably perform plication as an outpatient surgery may further define its role as a therapeutic option for treating morbid obesity. We present the 30-day outcomes and supplementary 12-month data in a series of 141 laparoscopic greater curve plication surgeries performed as outpatient procedures.

Methods:

Laparoscopic greater curve plication was performed as outpatient surgery in 141 consecutive patients. Outcomes including perioperative complications, incidental 12-month follow-up for weight loss, and change in diabetic and hypertensive medication are reported.

Results:

Of the 141 plications performed, 138 patients were discharged from the recovery room and 6 were readmitted. There was no conversion to open surgery and no mortality.

Conclusions:

The ability to reliably perform greater curve plication as an outpatient surgery may further define its role as an additional weight loss surgery technique.     

Outpatient Weight Loss Surgery: Initiating a Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding Ambulatory Weight Loss Surgery Center

Background:

Ambulatory surgery or outpatient surgery is becoming increasingly common. In 2002, 63% of all operations performed in the United States were ambulatory procedures. Bariatric procedures performed in the United States have increased from 16,200 in 1992 to approximately 205,000 in 2007. In 2002, our center began offering laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) procedures on an outpatient basis for select candidates at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). We subsequently added laparoscopic adjustable gastric band procedures (LAGB) in 2005.

Methods:

Between 2002 and 2008, 248 LRYGB and LAGB patients were carefully selected for ASC surgery by the bariatric surgeon and medical director. Extensive preoperative education was mandatory for all surgical candidates.

Results:

Since 2002, we have performed 248 bariatric cases at the ASC, including 38 LRYGB and 210 LAGB procedures. In this overall experience, 5 patients (2%) required readmission within 30 days of surgery, and 98.6% of LAGB patients were discharged the same day; 62% were discharged after a 4-hour to 6-hour stay in the ASC. All LRYGB patients remained in the ASC overnight and were discharge within 24 hours of their procedure. Weight loss results have been excellent.

Conclusion:

LAGB surgery can be safely performed in an ASC setting in most patients. LRYGB can be performed safely in the ASC setting with careful scrutiny and cautious selection of patient candidates.     

Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy in a Pelvic Kidney: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was performed in a pelvic kidney with a large renal pelvis calculus.

Methods and Results:

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was successfully performed in a pelvic kidney with an operative time of 310 minutes. The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy and a semi-automatic suturing device greatly facilitated the procedure. The patient''s operative pain was managed with 3 doses of ketorolac; she resumed a regular diet the day after surgery, and was discharged on the first postoperative day.

Conclusions:

For patients with a large stone in the renal pelvis of an ectopic kidney, laparoscopic pyelolithotomy provides an effective approach.     

Helicopter Emergency Ambulance Service (HEAS) transfer: an analysis of trauma patient case-mix, injury severity and outcome

INTRODUCTION

A retrospective review of all patients transferred by helicopter ambulance to the Great Western Hospital over a 20-month period between January 2003 and September 2004 was undertaken to establish the case-mix of patients (trauma and non-trauma) transferred and the outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Details of all Helicopter Emergency Ambulance Service (HEAS) transfers to this unit in the study time period were obtained from the three HEAS providers in the area and case notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 156 trauma patients transferred (total 193) in the study period with 111 cases identified for analysis with a mean age of 33 years (range, 1–92 years). Average Injury Severity Score on admission was 12 (range, 1–36). Forty-five patients were discharged home from the emergency department, 24 cases had operation, 10 patients required ICU care and 2 were pronounced dead in the emergency department. Average hospital stay following HEAS transfer was 2.97 days (range, 0–18 days).

DISCUSSION

Helicopter ambulance transfer in the acute setting is of debated value. Triage criteria are at fault if as many as 41% of patients transferred are being discharged home from casualty having incurred the financial cost of helicopter transfer. We suggest that the triage criteria for helicopter emergency transfer should be reviewed.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic-Assisted Right Colon Resection for Cancer

Introduction:

We present an approach to laparoscopic right colon resection utilizing a single port placed through the umbilicus. The technique described is performed through a single small umbilical incision with a virtually scar-free result.

Methods:

A 77-year-old woman with a tubulovillous adenoma in her cecum underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy using a single port placed through the umbilicus. Straight and reticulating laparoscopic instruments were utilized.

Results:

The total operative time was 112 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The patient was discharged home on day 5 postoperatively with normal bowel function and tolerance of a solid diet.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic right colectomy can be safely performed through a single incision through the umbilicus with an excellent cosmetic result.     

Laparoscopic Colon Resections With Discharge Less Than 24 Hours

Background and Objectives:

A short hospital stay is one of the main advantages of laparoscopic surgery. Previous studies have shown that after a multimodal fast-track process, the hospital length of stay can be shortened to between 2 and 5 days. The objective of this review is to show that the hospital length of stay can, in some cases, be reduced to <24 hours.

Methods:

This study retrospectively reviews a surgeon''s experience with laparoscopic surgery over a 12-month period. Seven patients were discharged home within 24 hours after minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical treatment, following a modified fast-track protocol that was adopted for perioperative care.

Results:

Of the 7 patients, 4 received laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for malignant disease and 3 underwent sigmoid colectomies for recurrent diverticulitis. The mean hospital stay was 21 hours, 47 minutes; the mean volume of intraoperative fluid (lactated Ringer) was 1850 mL; the mean surgical blood loss was only 74.3 mL; the mean duration of surgery was 118 minutes; and the patients were ambulated and fed a liquid diet after recovery from anesthesia. The reviewed patients had functional gastrointestinal tracts and were agreeable to the timing of discharge. On the follow-up visit, they showed no adverse consequences such as bleeding, infection, or anastomotic leak.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic colon surgery that incorporated multimodal perioperative care allowed patients to be discharged within the first 24 hours. Careful postoperative outpatient follow-up is important in monitoring complications such as anastomotic leak, which may not present until postoperative day 5.     

Contemporary practice of percutaneous nephrolithotomy: review of practice in a single region of the UK

INTRODUCTION

Most series of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) from single specialised centres represent optimum results achievable and may not reflect outcomes of everyday practice. We analysed the practice in our region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of 178 patients undergoing PCNL in 2002 in 12 participating hospital trusts were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Even outside the tertiary referral centres, there was a 6-fold difference between trusts in the frequency of PCNL. In 28% of cases, another stone-removing modality had been tried first. Failed renal puncture was a major cause of abandoning surgery (9%). An indication of the difficulty in obtaining complete stone clearance is that only 107 (60%) operation notes recorded complete clearance, while 75 (42%) patients required a subsequent procedure (13% a secondary PCNL). Use of supra 12th rib punctures was small (6%) as was the rate of ‘tube-less’ PCNL (4%). Some 22% had simultaneous ureteric stent insertion. Approximately 8% of cases required a blood transfusion. Thirty-eight patients (23%) had a proven infection (UTI) pre-operatively (> 10⁴ organisms; > 10 white blood cells) with almost all patients receiving antibiotics at anaesthesia induction. Postoperative sepsis rates (temperature > 38.5°C) were similar in those with and without a pre-operative UTI (18.4% versus 14.3%) and pre-operative antibiotics appeared to have little extra protective effect. Severe sepsis was rare with no patient requiring intensive care admission for this reason. Median length of stay postoperatively was 5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

These results present important figures to quote when counselling patients pre-operatively, albeit that the degree of difficulty (and hence the likelihood of problems) is identifiable from stone and anatomical configurations. In addition, the present data are a more accurate reflection of urinary stone surgery in non-tertiary, general urological practice.     

‘Nephrostomy-Free’ Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Experience in a UK District General Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the first-line treatment for large and complex renal calculi. Accepted UK practice is to insert a nephrostomy tube at the end of the procedure to drain the kidney and reduce potential complications. ‘Tubeless’ or ‘nephrostomy-free’ PCNL has been advocated in selected patients as it is thought to reduce length of hospital stay, analgesia requirements and pain experienced. We present our outcomes of a consecutive series (n = 101) of ‘nephrostomy-free’ PCNLs compared to standard PCNL over a 4-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2004 and October 2006, we performed 55 standard (with nephrostomy tube) PCNLs (Group 1). From October 2006 onwards, we changed our technique and have performed 46 consecutive ‘nephrostomy-free’ PCNLs (JJ stent inserted), independent of patient and stone factors (Group 2). We have compared the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay (LOS), analgesia requirements, transfusion rates, haemoglobin (Hb) decrease and immediate, early and late complications.

RESULTS

‘Nephrostomy-free’ PCNL significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (2.8 vs 5.1 days; P < 0.001), morphine-based analgesia requirements (23% no morphine required vs 2.8%; P < 0.001), transfusion rate (2.5% vs 7%; P < 0.01) and mean Hb decrease (1.89 g/dl vs 2.25 g/dl; P > 0.05). Overall, no patient experienced a serious complication. All attempted ‘nephrostomy-free’ PCNLs were completed (stone clearance 95%) and no patient needed an unplanned nephrostomy. Only 5% in Group 2 needed their ureteric JJ stent removing earlier than planned secondary to pain. Both groups were comparable in terms of immediate, early and late complications, though three patients in Group 1 developed chronic loin pain and one patient in the ‘nephrostomy-free’ group developed a delayed perirenal haematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

‘Nephrostomy-free’ percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe, effective and feasible procedure independent of patient and stone factors. It decreases the length of hospital stay, the pain experienced and the need for morphine-based analgesia; we feel it should be the standard of care for patients undergoing a PCNL.     

Splenic Injury During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Background:

Injury to the spleen is a recognized complication during percutaneous renal access due to the close anatomical relationship of the spleen and the left kidney. However, transsplenic renal access is a rare complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and can also result in considerable morbidity, often requiring emergent splenectomy.

Methods:

We present our experience with splenic injury during percutaneous nephrolithotomy managed conservatively with the use of a collagen-thrombin hemostatic sealant (D-Stat; Vascular Solutions, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) after delayed removal of the nephrostomy tubes.

Results:

The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on postoperative day 6.

Conclusion:

In select hemodynamically stable patients, nonoperative management with the adjunctive use of hemostatic sealants may be considered.     

Caremap management for postoperative prostatectomy care at home: a comparative study

Objective

To evaluate early discharge from hospital with community-based care as an alternative to hospital-based care for patients who have undergone transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Design

Prospective comparative study.

Setting

A major urban hospital and the urban community.

Patients

Of 198 patients who underwent TURP between Jan. 10, 1994 and Sept. 30, 1994, 81, discharged on postoperative day 1, received the caremap method of health care delivery at home. They were compared with 85 patients who were discharged on postoperative day 2 or 3 and received standard hospital-based care.

Main Outcome Measures

Readmission to hospital, reuse of health care services, complications and patient satisfaction.

Results

Comparison of the 2 groups revealed no significant differences in readmissions to hospital, reutilization of health care services or complications. Following these initial results, the early discharge program was expanded to include all acute care hospitals and the surrounding community.

Conclusions

Postoperative care for TURP can be delivered in the home. A critical success factor was the ability to provide quality care in the community without adverse effects.     

Outpatient Surgery as a Means of Cost Reduction in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case-Control Study

Background

The current healthcare market coupled with expedited recovery and improvements in analgesia have led to the development of total hip arthroplasty being performed as an outpatient procedure in selected patients.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes and cost-effectiveness of traditional inpatient THA with outpatient hip replacement at the same facility.

Patients and Methods

This observational, case-control study was conducted from 2008 to 2011. One hundred nineteen patients underwent outpatient THA through a direct anterior approach. These cases were all performed by a single surgeon. Outpatient cases were then compared to inpatient hospital controls performed by the same surgeon at the inpatient hospital facility.

Results

Complications, length of stay, demographic data, and overall costs were compared between groups. There was no difference in complications or estimated blood loss between groups. Most notably, the average overall cost in the outpatient setting was significantly lower than inpatient, $24,529 versus $31,327 (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that appropriately selected patients can undergo THA in an outpatient setting with no increase in complications and at a substantial savings to the healthcare system.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-014-9401-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

An innovative and cost-effective way of managing ankle fractures prior to surgery �C home therapy

INTRODUCTION

Ankle fractures are common injuries affecting all age groups and constitute a large proportion of the orthopaedic trauma case load. Patients are usually admitted directly to the ward from the emergency department and a large number of bed-days are spent waiting for the ankle swelling to subside prior to surgery. We audited current practice and then implemented a home therapy programme (HTP). The purpose of the study was to assess the pioneering HTP with respect to cost effectiveness, length of stay and patient satisfaction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

If HTP criteria were met, patients with reduced, unstable ankle fractures were taught safe mobilisation by physiotherapists in the emergency department. They were then discharged home to ice and elevate their ankle in a plaster backslab. A provisional operation date was allocated on discharge. They were admitted to hospital the day of surgery and then discharged home when safe and comfortable.

RESULTS

Forty-three consecutive patients met our inclusion criteria and underwent surgical fixation of unstable ankle fractures over a 3-month period (February–April 2008). The average length of hospital stay was 8 days (range, 1–18 days), 4.5 days pre-operatively and 3.5 days postoperatively. Patients were frustrated and dissatisfied with the whole process. In total, 177 patients underwent surgical fixation of unstable ankle fractures over an 11-month period (November 2008 to October 2009) and, of these, 59 met the home therapy criteria. The average length of hospital stay was 2.4 days, 1 day pre-operatively (range, 0–4 days) and 1.4 days postoperatively (range, 0–5 days). All HTP patients expressed satisfaction with the process. Over the course of the HTP, 354 bed-days were saved which equates to a saving of £81,774. The annual estimated cost saving is £90,000.

CONCLUSIONS

The home therapy programme has proved effective in reducing hospital stay both pre- and postoperatively. It is cost-effective and well received by patients.     

Laparoscopic-Assisted Transvaginal Approach for Sigmoidectomy and Rectocolpopexy

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection has been well described for multiple surgical indications. This typically requires an abdominal incision for specimen removal that is associated with the majority of postoperative pain. We describe the first laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal approach for sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

Methods:

Mobilization of the sigmoid colon was performed laparoscopically using a 12-mm vaginal port and 3 additional 5-mm abdominal ports. A laparoscopic stapler was used through the vaginal port to transect the distal sigmoid colon. The specimen was subsequently externalized through the colpotomy to complete the resection and prepare the remaining bowel for intracorporeal, end-toend, stapled anastomosis. The colpotomy was then repaired, and the colorectal anastomosis and rectocolpopexy were completed laparoscopically.

Results:

Sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy were successfully performed laparoscopically by using a transvaginal approach without the need for an abdominal incision for specimen removal. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course, complained of minimal pain, and was discharged home on postoperative day 3.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy is a feasible option that appears to be associated with little incisional pain and rapid recovery.     

Laparoscopic Repair of a Right Paraduodenal Hernia

Background and Objectives:

Right paraduodenal hernia (PDH) results from a primitive gut malrotation. The resultant jejunal mesenteric defect posterior to the superior mesenteric vessels allows decompressed jejunum to herniate retroperitoneally. PDH make up 53% of all internal hernias, but account for only 0.2% to 5.8% of all cases of intestinal obstruction. In addition, PDH exhibits male and left-sided predominance. Ours is the second report to describe the preoperative diagnosis and totally laparoscopic repair of a right PDH.

Methods:

We report the case of a 26-year-old female with symptoms suggestive of partial small bowel obstruction and a 6-year history of intermittent abdominal pain. Physical examination demonstrated lower quadrant tenderness. Plain abdominal radiographs and ultrasonography were nondiagnostic. Contrasted computed tomography of the abdomen revealed jejunum encased within the right upper quadrant suspicious for right PDH.

Results:

The patient underwent successful laparoscopic right PDH repair and was discharged home on postoperative day 1 without late sequelae.

Conclusions:

In the outpatient setting, clinical suspicion and comprehensive radiological investigation permit preoperative diagnosis of right PDH. In acute situations, clinical presentation, plain radiographs, and then diagnostic laparoscopy may be an expeditious diagnostic algorithm. Subsequent laparoscopic repair of right PDH is feasible and may shorten hospital length of stay.     

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.