经阴道混合自然腔道内镜肾切除术(附光盘)

经自然腔道内镜手术(NOTES)以其创伤更小、恢复更快、美容效果更佳的优势,正成为外科手术发展的新方向、新选择。自2010年5月以来,我中心对经阴道NOTES技术进行了一系列探索,逐步完成了从混合NOTES向纯NOTES的过渡。现阶段因受到器械和操作技术等因素的限制,泌尿外科NOTES临床应用多集中在混合NOTES方面,此技术安全、可行,且对女性性功能和生育功能无影响,是已发展成熟的技术,值得临床选用。本文将详细介绍经阴道混合NOTES肾切除术。     

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。     

Hybrid transvaginal nephrectomy

This case study reports one case of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in a 23-yr-old woman with right flank pain and recurrent urinary tract infection due to a nonfunctional right kidney. She underwent nephrectomy by transvaginal NOTES using the endoscope by vaginal access and two additional 5-mm trocars in the abdomen. Total procedure time was 170 min and estimated blood loss was 350 cc. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged 12h after the procedure.     

Nefrectomía laparoscópica simple con asistencia de notes transvaginal y uso de instrumentos laparoscópicos estándar

IntroductionNatural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging technique, which allows to performed surgical procedures avoiding any surgical scars. However there are some problems due to the lack of equipment available for these procedures. The aim of these study is to present our initial experience with the transvaginal nephrectomy NOTES using standard laparoscopic instruments.Material and MethodsTwo female patients 23 and 29 years old, both of them with diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection and renal atrophy. A transvaginal simple nephrectomy was performed using a transvaginal Access for the camera port and two abdominal work ports of 10 and 3mm.ResultsTotal operation room time was 120 min in the first case and 40 min. in the second. with an average blood loss of 200 cc. There were no perioperative complications, and both patients was discharged 36 hours after the surgeryConclusionLaparoscopic nephrectomy with transvaginal NOTES assistance is technically feasible with the use of standard laparoscopic instruments. Special Access trocars and instruments development for this procedure will allow to perform a pure technique without the use of abdominal incisions.     

Pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy using standard laparoscopic instruments in the porcine model

PURPOSE: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is an emerging technology that uses endoscopic instruments passed into the peritoneal cavity through hollow viscera to perform surgical procedures without the use of abdominal incisions. There are, however, limitations regarding the equipment available to simulate traditional surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a pure NOTES nephrectomy by using standard laparoscopic instruments through a modified transvaginal trocar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One 40-kg female swine underwent transgastric peritoneoscopy. Transgastric endoscopic visualization guided the introduction of a second transvaginal endoscope through a novel laparoscopic trocar/endoscopic overtube device. The retroflexed transgastric endoscope provided triangulated visualization as standard endoscopic instruments provided retraction, which allowed dissection of the kidney with standard laparoscopic instruments through our modified transvaginal trocar device. Each renal hilum, artery, vein, and ureter was dissected and divided with a transvaginal laparoscopic stapler. RESULTS: Transgastric and transvaginal NOTES accesses were easily achieved, and bilateral nephrectomies were performed. Completion of peritoneoscopy revealed complete hemostasis and identification of ligated ureters and hilar vessels. Total operative time was 40 and 20 minutes for the right and left kidney, respectively. One kidney was captured with a laparoscopic retrieval sac and removed intact through the vaginal defect. CONCLUSIONS: Pure NOTES nephrectomies are technically feasible in the porcine model by using standard laparoscopic instruments. Survival studies are necessary to determine the long-term complications and physiologic implications of NOTES nephrectomy. The development of innovative NOTES access trocars may allow for an increased armamentarium of NOTES instruments.     

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.     

Nephrectomy and natural orifice translumenal endoscopy (NOTES): transvaginal, transgastric, transrectal, and transvesical approaches

This paper outlines recent developments in the field of natural orifice translumenal endosurgery (NOTES) in urology and nephrectomy from the perspective of a flexible endoscopist. The history of transvaginal extraction of kidney specimens using rigid laparoscopic instruments and early studies of transvaginal nephrectomy as a precursor of NOTES are reviewed. Transgastric approaches to nephrectomy using flexible instruments and transvesical hybrid approaches to nephrectomy and other intra-abdominal procedures including cholecystectomy and transvesical lung biopsy are outlined, as are other experimental approaches including transrectal kidney removal. The paper reviews the rationale for a NOTES approach to abdominal surgery and discusses recent human studies. The limitations of NOTES and need for better instrumentation and more studies are stressed.     

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery: critical appraisal of applications in clinical practice

Background  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), with its focus on eliminating incision-related complications, promises to revolutionize the way surgery is performed. This study aimed to summarize the clinical applications of NOTES for humans, outline the techniques used, and discuss the complications and limitations of current techniques. Methods  A literature search was performed using PubMed and Medline search tools to review the extent and outcomes of human procedures undertaken using the NOTES technique in its pure form or as a hybrid procedure reported until July 2008. The end points were the types of operation performed, the approach and technique used for each operation, and the procedure-related complications and technical limitations. Results  This review considered 16 publications reporting on 49 human subjects. All the studies except three used hybrid NOTES procedures, with varying amounts of transabdominal assistance. Three transvaginal cholecystectomies, one transvaginal appendectomy, and eight transgastric appendectomies have been performed using a pure NOTES technique. To date, 15 NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomies and 10 NOTES appendectomies (8 transgastric and 2 transvaginal) are reported. Other procedures including peritoneoscopy and sigmoid colectomy are described. Three cases of minor morbidity are reported and no mortality. Conclusions  Although initial human results seem encouraging, it is important that this research be conducted in a way that minimizes bad publicity and describes both favorable and adverse outcomes. Robust trials must be conducted at established centers with appropriate experience and institutional board ethical review to allow safe introduction of this novel technique, with adequate and expedient reporting of serious adverse events. The limitations of the current tools and methods are discussed, and suggestions are made for further improvements in the technology to facilitate NOTES operations.     

Evaluation for transvaginal and transgastric NOTES cholecystectomy in human and animal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery

Background/purpose  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel concept using an endoscope via a translumenal access for abdominal surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and technical aspects of NOTES cholecystectomy from our experience on humans and animals. Methods  NOTES cholecystectomies were performed in 12 animal experiments, including 8 pigs (6 by transgastric and 2 by transvaginal accesses) and 4 dogs (4 transvaginal accesses), and a human female cadaver. Results  The entire gallbladder could be removed under direct vision in all experiments. The average time was 60 min by transgastric and 40 min by transvaginal in animals. It was 87 min for human transvaginal cholecystectomy. In all animal and human procedures, there was no major complication concerning the operation. Discussion  The transvaginal route may be the easiest route for abdominal NOTES. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) allowed the safe performance of a controlled gastric perforation and shortened the time. The hybrid method allowed performance of a safe procedure and shortened the time. Conclusions  Transvaginal and transgastric NOTES cholecystectomy is technically feasible and safe in both humans and animals. New instrumentation needs to be developed to perform a pure NOTES cholecystectomy without transabdominal assistance.     

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.     

经阴道腹腔镜在泌尿外科手术的适应症和临床应用

经自然腔道内镜手术（nature orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery,NOTES）由于其微创、美容效果好等优势在泌尿外科应用越来越广泛。目前认为经阴道途径是NOTES中最好的一种手术入路。近几年经阴道NOTES在泌尿外科领域进行了大量的临床方面的研究,技术逐渐成熟和完善。随着磁性锚定导航系统（MAGS）和机器人辅助腹腔镜技术在泌尿外科手术中的应用,经阴道NOTES应用前景广阔。本文就近几年经阴道NOTES在泌尿外科临床上的应用做一个综述。     

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery: A Critical Review

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) involves the intentional puncture of one of the viscera (e.g., stomach, rectum, vagina, urinary bladder) with an endoscope to access the abdominal cavity and perform an intraabdominal operation. Early laboratory work focused on feasibility studies, including such accomplishments as pure transgastric splenectomy and gastrojejunostomy. Contemporary laboratory work is investigating the infectious and immunologic implications of NOTES and honing the tools and techniques required for complex abdominal operations. Today NOTES has entered the clinical arena in a few cases: the first clinical series of transgastric peritoneoscopy has recently been published; multiple groups are accumulating patients in studies of NOTES cholecystectomy, either via the transgastric or transvaginal route; and a series of transgastric appendectomies has been well publicized, yet it remains unpublished. Although clinical NOTES is gaining momentum, the field should remain in check while rigorous laboratory work is performed and cogent clinical trials are undertaken. The zeal for NOTES should not take precedence over the welfare of the patient.     

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: The transvaginal route moving forward from cholecystectomy

The advent of minimally invasive surgery and the advances in endoluminal flexible endoscopy have converged to generate a new concept in digestive surgery, whose acronym natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), has become a familiar term in the surgical community. NOTES has been performed through the mouth, the bladder, the rectum and the vagina. Of these four approaches, the vagina has gained most popularity for several reasons. It is not only readily accessible and easy to decontaminate but it also provides safe entry and simple closure. The transvaginal approach has been described in the experimental and the clinical setting as an option for cholecystectomy, nephrectomy, splenectomy, segmental gastrectomy, retroperitoneal exploration and bariatric surgery. However, larger series are needed to delineate the exact risks of this approach, and to transcend cultural barriers that impede its wider introduction. Prospective randomized trials will shed light on the definitive role of the vaginal approach in minimal invasive surgery of the future.     

NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomy: preliminary clinical application

Background Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging concept in the recent literature that could lead to potential benefits in clinical applications. Restricted to animal experiments, however, human procedures have not yet been published. Because of the technical and ethical challenges involved in perforation and closure of a healthy organ—as is also seen in operating via the transgastric route—and because of the lack of understanding of the physiopathology and infection risk with these approaches, they have not been applied in the clinical setting. Thus the present study, based on previous animal experiments, describes preliminary clinical application in four cases of transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomy, and discusses safety, feasibility, and potential benefits of the method. Methods Preliminary acute and survival animal experiments developed by the NOTES Research Group at our institution solved such technical problems for transvaginal NOTES as spatial orientation, insufflation, and instrumentation, making possible the introduction of NOTES as a clinical application. The trials were approved by ethics committee of our institution, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Since 13 March 2007, four female patients with elective surgical indication for cholecystectomy have undergone transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomy. All intraoperative and postoperative parameters were documented. Vaginal access was achieved under direct vision with conventional instruments, and a 2-channel colonoscope was inserted into the abdominal cavity. After endoscopic insufflation to achieve pneumoperitoneum with CO₂, instruments were inserted through and alongside a colonoscope, allowing successful NOTES cholecystectomy in all patients, with vaginal extraction of the gallbladder. The vaginal wound was closed by direct vision using conventional instruments. Results The procedure was successful in all patients, with operative time of 45–115 min. Patients experienced low need for postoperative analgesia. Free oral intake was permitted 2 h after the procedure. There were no postoperative complications, and patients were discharged, according to the study protocol, 48 h after the procedure. Conclusions Preliminary results showed the feasibility and safety of the transvaginal NOTES method in this small initial study population. The technique, developed in our institution, and not transgastric NOTES, may be the preferred approach to serve as the basis for clinical studies.     

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) Transvaginal Cholecystectomy in a Morbidly Obese Patient

Transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new diagnostic and potentially therapeutic method of surgical endoscopy. The first case of NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomy in a morbid obese patient in the literature is described. IRB approval was obtained at the institution for transvaginal NOTES clinical trials. A 58-year-old female patient with cholelithiasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes, and BMI of 35.8 kg/m(2) was submitted to the technique. After transvaginal access, a two-channel gastroscope was introduced into the abdominal cavity along with a laparoscopic trocar. There were 2 umbilical punctures for use of 3 mm laparoscopic equipment. Operative time was 85 min. There was no use of postoperative analgesia, and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Transvaginal NOTES is a feasible alternative method for cholecystectomy in the morbidly obese, although available technology is limited for natural orifice surgery.     

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.     

Natural orifice surgery applied for colorectal diseases

Clinical natural orifice surgery has been applied to abdominal surgery in recent years, mostly using transvaginal and transgastric access. Rectal and transcolonic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) were tested in animal and cadaver models by a few research groups. Despite the potential advantages of transcolonic NOTES for colorectal diseases, it has not yet been clinically applied. The first successful series of human applications of transcolonic NOTES in the literature from the NOTES Research Group in Brazil provide new possibilities in the field in new transrectal procedures for rectal cancer and benign disease. Successful first human reports on Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new frontiers and applications for minimally invasive surgery. The treatment of colorectal diseases through flexible Perirectal NOTES Access is a promising new approach alongside existing laparoscopic and open surgery to improve patient care.     

经阴道NOTES在妇科领域中的应用现状

妇科腹腔镜技术至今已日臻完善,但也同样面临着如何寻找更加体现微创理念、加速康复和给患者更多人文关怀的问题。近年兴起的经阴道自然腔道内镜手术(natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery,NOTES)无腹壁切口瘢痕,实现理想的美容效果,术后疼痛减轻,能达到加速康复目的。由于经阴道NOTES所需器械均通过阴道切口,与传统多孔腹腔镜手术和阴式手术差别较大。笔者就经阴道NOTES在妇科手术中的应用现状进行综述,并探讨在妇科领域的价值。     

Feasibility of Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery–Assisted Living Donor Nephrectomy: Is Kidney Vaginal Delivery the Approach of the Future?

Background

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) uses natural orifices to access the abdominal cavity. We adapted NOTES to perform transvaginal NOTES-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in living donors.

Objective

To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of this procedure and compare it with conventional laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN).

Design, setting, and participants

From July 2009 to October 2010, 20 women underwent transvaginal NOTES-assisted living donor nephrectomy (LDN) in our centre. We compared the prospectively collected clinical data of each donor with those of a contemporaneous matched pair of conventional LLDNs (40 donors).

Surgical procedure

The procedure was performed using three abdominal trocars and one trocar through the vaginal wall.

Measurements

Variables evaluated for donors were procedure length, blood loss, warm ischaemia time (WIT), complications, hospital stay, and first-month creatinine nadir. In the transvaginal LDN group, sexual function was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire before and after surgery. Variables evaluated for recipients were complications, graft function, and creatinine evolution.

Results and limitations

The procedure was completed in all cases. Operative variables were similar for both groups except for WIT, which was longer in the transvaginal LDN group (p < 0.001) without consequences for graft functioning. One transvaginal LDN case had postoperative bleeding requiring immediate open surgery. All transvaginal LDN donors reported unaltered sexual function after surgery and satisfaction with the results. All recipients had immediate urine output, and all had a functioning graft at last follow-up except for one recipient of the transvaginal LDN group who required transplantectomy. Despite promising results, randomised controlled studies with longer follow-up are warranted to further elucidate the potential of this novel technique.

Conclusions

Transvaginal NOTES-assisted LDN appears to be a feasible and reproducible surgical technique. The WIT was longer in the transvaginal group, and there was no effect on graft function after the short follow-up.     

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.