Endoscopic perineal approach to the presacral space: a feasibility study

Background  Currently, pathologies from the presacral space are explored primarily by using transabdominal approaches. Major complications may occur, including bowel and rectal perforation, or bleeding. To avoid and reduce these potentially severe risks, a new surgical approach to the presacral space, which permits exploration through the perineum with minimal invasive techniques, had already been developed and is now further elaborated in a cadaver and clinical study. Study design  A prospective study was performed using four cadavers with no history of pelvic or perineal disease. A minimally invasive exploration of the presacral retroperitoneum was performed to examine a potential new anatomical surgical space. After positioning the patients in the prone or supine position, a 1-cm vertical median incision was made in the ano-coccygeal ligament. Entry to the presacral space was first established through blunt-finger and balloon dissection. A 30° 10-mm laparoscope was inserted through a 12-mm trocar, and two additional 5-mm trocars were inserted to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve. A clinical pilot study was performed on three patients using this technique. Results  Under direct vision, a wide dissected cavity was observed, with the rectum and mesorectum retracted ventrally. Access and manipulation of posterior pelvic organs were simplified. Placing cadavers in the jack-knife position provided superior accessibility to the presacral space when compared with a supine position. Clear exposure of the sacrum, mesorectum, ureters and bladder, prostate region, iliac vessels (with its branches), and lymph nodes was achieved. Conclusion  Endoscopic perineal approach to the presacral space was considered.