Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: Initial experience with 3D vision laparoscopy and articulating shears

Mini-laparotomy in-situ pyeloplasty for repair of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Outcome of 150 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcomes of using the mini-laparotomy technique In Situ pyeloplasty to repair UPJ obstruction in young infants less than 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and March 2020, 150 young infants (less than 6 months) diagnosed with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and treated by mini-laparotomy In Situ pyeloplasty were included in this analysis. Once the UPJ has been identified, it was grasped by an Allis forceps for gentle traction. Two facing transverse incisions were made in the dilated pelvis facing the upper ureter. The transverse ureteric incision was then opened longitudinally. An anastomosis was done between the most dependent part of the lower lip of the pelvis and the apex of ureteric spatulation using 6/0 polyglactin (Vicryl®) sutures in the direction of "out-in-in-out." Follow-up was scheduled for 1 month and then every 3 months for a year with abdominal ultrasonography. DTPA was done for all patients 1 year after repair.

RESULTS

The mean age was 3 ± 0.5 months, and the mean follow-up was 1.5 ± 0.3 years. Our technique was done in all included patients with a functional success of 96% (all patients restored normal function, and no obstruction was reported). Parents were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the wound in 91% of cases. Major complications occurred in 4% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Successful repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in young infants can be achieved by using mini-laparotomy In Situ pyeloplasty technique with satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Comparing the Effects of 2D and 3D Imaging Systems on Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty Outcomes in the Treatment of Adult Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and the clinical and perioperative outcomes of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic imaging systems in adult patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty in our clinics due to ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Methods: A total of 46 adult patients who had undergone laparoscopic pyeloplasty due to UPJ obstruction were included in the study. Cases that had undergone the operation before January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated with the 2D imaging systems. Cases after that date were evaluated by using the 3D imaging systems, and the operative, perioperative, and postoperative findings of these patients were recorded prospectively. Patients who had undergone laparoscopic pyeloplasty were classified into two groups as the "2D group" and the "3D group." To standardize the preoperative findings, the cases that were operated by a single surgeon experienced in both 2D and 3D imaging systems were included in the study. The demographic characteristics and the clinical findings of the patients were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 27.7 ± 9.17 years. Among the patients, 23 (56.1%) were in the 2D group and 18 (43.9%) were in the 3D group. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups with regard to the demographic characteristics of the patients. According to the perioperative and postoperative findings of the patients, the duration of the operation was significantly shorter in the 3D group. Conclusion: The duration of the operation was significantly reduced in the 3D image-guided laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of UPJ obstruction of the adult, compared with 2D image-guided operations. The 3D imaging systems provide a better image quality, an important convenience in intraoperative saturation, and low rates of complication in laparoscopic pyeloplasty, and they may be used safely and effectively.

INFLUENCE OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE LAPAROSCOPIC EXPERIENCE SKILLS ON ROBOTIC SURGERY DEXTERITY

Background:

It is unclear if there is a natural transition from laparoscopic to robotic surgery with transfer of abilities.

Aim:

To measure the performance and learning of basic robotic tasks in a simulator of individuals with different surgical background.

Methods:

Three groups were tested for robotic dexterity: a) experts in laparoscopic surgery (n=6); b) experts in open surgery (n=6); and c) non-medical subjects (n=4). All individuals were aged between 40-50 years. Five repetitions of four different simulated tasks were performed: spatial vision, bimanual coordination, hand-foot-eye coordination and motor skill.

Results:

Experts in laparoscopic surgery performed similar to non-medical individuals and better than experts in open surgery in three out of four tasks. All groups improved performance with repetition.

Conclusion:

Experts in laparoscopic surgery performed better than other groups but almost equally to non-medical individuals. Experts in open surgery had worst results. All groups improved performance with repetition.

Surgery of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO)

Uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of hydronephrosis in infants and children. Historically, this condition has been approached surgically through a retroperitoneal approach as described by Anderson and Hynes aiming for an open dismembered pyeloplasty. A true evolution of laparoscopy in pediatric urology took place within the last 30 years. Laparoscopy developed from a merely diagnostic tool for non-palpable testes to "interventional" laparoscopy for extirpative surgery. Finally the era of reconstructive pediatric laparoscopic urology started, when in 1995 Peters described the first laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a child. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty now has become the preferred surgical treatment of UPJO. It offers excellent visualization of the anatomy, accurate anastomotic suturing, thus the precise reconstruction of the UPJ along with good functional outcome. This article aims to provide the current status, indication and operative technique of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJO in infants and children.

Impact of three-dimensional vision in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumors

OBJECTIVE

To compare three-dimensional (3D) with standard two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) with respect to intra- and postoperative outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 112 patients who underwent transperitoneal LPN from 2012 to 2014 by a single experienced surgeon were collected. Sixty patients (group 1) underwent conventional 2D LPN and 52 patients (group 2) 3D LPN. Perioperative patient, procedure, and tumor data were recorded. The follow-up period was 1-5 years.

RESULTS

The two groups had similar patient age (p=0.834) and body mass index (p=0.141). The total laparoscopy time (LT) was shorter in group 2 (119.0 vs. 106.0 min; p=0.009). Warm ischemia times (WITs) were also shorter in group 2 (11.5 vs. 10.0 min; p=0.032). The estimated blood loss (EBL) (350.0 vs. 250.0 mL; p<0.001) and hemoglobin (Hb) decrease (1.55 vs. 1.35 g/dL; p=0.536) were lower in the 3D LPN group. Creatinine (0 vs. 0 g/dL; p=0.610) increase and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease (0 vs. 0 mL/min/1.73 m²; p=0.553) did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. Duration of hospitalization (7 vs. 7 days; p=0.099) and complication rates (p=0.559) were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The new-generation 3D laparoscope has a great impact on significant LPN intraoperative parameters, mainly LT, WIT, and EBL. Hb decrease is also in favor of 3D vision, although not dramatically altered. Therefore, 3D LPN appears to be superior to conventional 2D LPNs.

Instituting robotic pediatric urologic surgery in the Canadian healthcare system: Evaluating the feasibility and outcomes of robot-assisted pyeloplasty and ureteric reimplantation

INTRODUCTION

Robotic pediatric urologic surgery has gained wide-spread adoption over the last decade. This article describes our experience in instituting the first pediatric urologic robotic surgery program in Canada. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of instituting pediatric robot-assisted urologic surgery and report our early outcomes for robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) and ureteric reimplantation (RUR).

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated all patients undergoing RAP and RUR by a single surgeon from June 2013 to March 2019. Demographic and clinical data were prospectively collected and included sex, age, and preoperative grade of hydronephrosis or reflux. Descriptive statistics were performed, and comparisons were made using Student's t-tests where appropriate. Success was defined as resolution or significant improvement of hydronephrosis following RAP and absence of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or persistent vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) following RUR. Complications were described using the Clavien-Dindo system.

RESULTS

A total of 52 RAPs and 24 RURs were performed with a minimum of six months followup. Forty-five RAP patients met criteria for success, while diagnostic imaging of success in the form of MAG-3 Lasix renograms was documented in the remaining seven for an overall success of 100%. Sixteen RUR patients met criteria for success and seven showed resolution of VUR on imaging following their first UTI, for an overall success rate of 96%. Operative times progressively improved from 204±35 minutes to 121±15 minutes in the RAP group and from 224±52 to 132±39 minutes in the RUR group. In the RAP cohort, one Clavien grade II and four Clavien grade III complications were noted, while three Clavien grade III complications were noted in the RUR cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limited case volumes, robotic pediatric urologic surgery can be integrated into the Canadian healthcare system with success rates comparable to reported literature. However, compared to open surgery, RAP, and especially RUR, warrant further study to ensure lack of significant complications noted in our study.

Laparoscopy for living donor left nephrectomy: Comparison of three-dimensional and two-dimensional vision

The main objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of 3-D laparoscopic living donor left nephrectomy (LDLN). The secondary objective was to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between 3-D and 2-D laparoscopic LDLN. All patients who underwent a laparoscopic LDLN from January 2015 to April 2018 in a university center were included. All surgeries were performed by three experienced surgeons. Seventy three patients were included the following: 16 underwent a 3-D laparoscopic LDLN (3-D group), and 57 underwent a 2-D laparoscopic LDLN (2-D group). Operative time and warm ischemia time (WIT) were significantly lower in the 3-D group (operative time: 80.9 ± 10.2 vs 114.1 ± 32.3 minutes in the 3-D and 2-D groups, P = .0002) (WIT: 1.7 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 0.9 minutes in the 3-D and 2-D groups, P = .02). No conversion to open surgery occurred in both groups. Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the 3-D group. No major postoperative complications (Clavien ≥ III) occurred. One-year postoperative GFR was similar to 3-D and 2-D groups. Our preliminary study demonstrates that 3-D laparoscopic LDLN is a feasible and safe surgical procedure. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were similar in both 2-D and 3-D vision systems, but 3-D vision systems allow reduction in WIT and operative time.

Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Laparoscopic Systems in Urology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy is widely used in the urological field. This systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to assess the clinical and surgical efficacy of the three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic system in comparison with two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopy for treatment of different urological conditions.

METHODS

Following guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, a systematic literature search in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBase was carried out to identify relevant studies published up to May 2018. Articles published in the English language of both randomized and observational studies comparing 3D and 2D laparoscopic systems in urological surgeries were included. Level of evidence and quality assessments of all included studies were conducted. Interested data were extracted for comparison and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Our literature search generated 17 studies comparing 3D and 2D laparoscopic systems in different urological surgeries. Of these, 13 studies containing 548 and 449 patients operated on with 2D and 3D laparoscopic systems, respectively, were included for meta-analysis. These 13 studies were divided into three groups according to surgical type. Group 1: Partial nephrectomy (PN); operative time (p = 0.19), estimated blood loss (EBL) (p = 0.51), dissecting time (p = 0.58), and suturing time (p = 0.28) were not statistically significant between 2D and 3D laparoscopic systems. However, warm ischemia time during PN was significantly shorter during 3D laparoscopy (p < 0.00001). Group 2: Pyeloplasty; this procedure showed no significant difference between the two systems. Group 3: Radical prostatectomy (RP); shorter operative time (p < 0.0001) and lower EBL (p = 0.001) were associated with the 3D laparoscopic system.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional laparoscopy mainly improves the depth of perception, leading to better visibility, which is important for some complex urological surgeries such as PN, pyeloplasty, and RP. Based on our findings, 3D laparoscopy seems to provide better clinical and surgical outcomes in some urological procedures compared with conventional 2D laparoscopy.

Comparison of Three- and Two-Dimensional Laparoscopy in Pediatric Nissen Fundoplication

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) versus conventional two-dimensional (2D) vision in pediatric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Materials and Methods: Medical records and procedure videos of patients 18 years old or younger who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication at a single institution between January 2015 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The total pneumoperitoneum and wrapping times were measured. The number of errors during the first stitch of the wrapping was counted. Three-dimensional laparoscopy was introduced in January 2017, and data were compared between the previous 2D and current 3D groups. A questionnaire was provided to each surgeon who performed the 3D procedure. Results: Laparoscopic fundoplication was performed under 2D vision in 32 patients and under 3D vision in 19 patients. Mean ages and weights at surgery were similar between the groups. There was no significant differences in pneumoperitoneum and wrapping times between the two groups. Significantly more errors were counted in the 2D versus 3D procedure, but all patients recovered without any complications related to intraoperative errors. On the questionnaires, all 8 surgeons desired a decreased scope diameter and multidirectional visual axis. Four surgeons (50%) experienced eyestrain and 1 experienced double vision. Conclusions: This study showed no reduction in surgical time with 3D versus 2D scope use. Three-dimensional vision decreased the technical errors in creating the wrap, but its clinical merit remains unclear. Decreasing the scope diameter and adding multidirectional vision capabilities are needed for the 3D scope to gain more widespread approval and use in pediatric surgery.

Applications of Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Surgery of the Pediatric Urinary Tract

Application of laparoscopy in pediatric urology has evolved over more than 30 years coming from a merely diagnostic use for non-palpable testes to "interventional" laparoscopy to extirpative surgery and finally to the era of reconstructive pediatric laparoscopic urology, when in 1995 Peters described the first laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a child. Laparoscopic surgery in pediatric urology became implemented increasingly in the twenty-first century with now present-day applications including the complete variety of all kind of indications for surgery for pediatric urological pathology. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current indications, techniques, and outcomes of laparoscopic transperitoneal surgery of the upper as well as of the lower urinary tract for urological pathology in the pediatric patient population.

A modification with threading cannula needle-assisted 4-point suspension fixation for retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a cohort study in single center

Purpose

To evaluate the effect and safety of modifying a threading cannula needle-assisted suspension fixation in retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (LDP) for children with congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).

Methods

Between December 2012 and December 2017, 45 children (< 14 years of age) with congenital UPJO were divided into two groups. In Group A, children underwent conventional “no-suspension fixation” LDP; and in Group B, “4-point suspension fixation” LDP was performed to lower difficulties and shorten operative time. The perioperative clinical data were recorded and analyzed.

Results

No statistical difference was found between two groups in preoperative characteristics. The duration of surgery, operative time for completion of anastomosis and the length of postoperative hospital stay in Group B was remarkably shortened than that in Group A, respectively (P < 0.05 for all). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of postoperative renal pelvic diameter (RPD) decreasing, extubation time and success rates of surgery (P > 0.05 for all). In addition, no recurrent stenosis and urine leakage in both groups, and the postoperative RPD remained at the low level in both groups during the period of follow-up.

Conclusions

Our modification of the 4-point suspension fixation for retroperitoneal LDP is an effective and safe method for children with UPJO. It can simplify the surgical procedures, lower difficulties (especially in precise anastomotic suturing) and shorten the learning curve. This modification might be of particular interest to urologists for improving treatment of children with UPJO.

Three-Dimensional Versus Two-Dimensional Video-Assisted Endoscopic Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Clinical Data

BACKGROUND

There have been no studies to systematically evaluate the two display (3D vs. 2D) systems regarding both laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgeries in clinical settings; thus, we conducted one to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different visualization systems (two-dimensional and three-dimensional) during endoscopic surgery (laparoscopy or thoracoscopy) in clinical settings.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of online databases was performed. Perioperative outcomes were synthesized. Cumulative meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the temporal trend of pooled outcomes. Specific subgroups (laparoscopy vs. thoracoscopy, prospective vs. retrospective study, malignant vs. benign diseases) were examined. Meta-regression was conducted to explore the source of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles were considered in this analysis, of which 7 were thoracoscopic and 16 were laparoscopic surgeries. A total of 2930 patients were recorded, of which 1367 underwent 3D video-assisted surgery and 1563 underwent 2D display. Overall, significantly shorter operating time (SMD -0.69; p = <0.001), less blood loss (SMD -0.26; p = 0.028) and shorter hospital stays (SMD -0.16; p = 0.016) were found in the 3D display group. Meanwhile, the perioperative morbidity (OR 0.92; p = 0.487), retrieved lymph nodes (SMD 0.09; p = 0.081), drainage duration (SMD -0.15; p = 0.105) and drainage volume (SMD 0.00; p = 0.994) were similar between the two groups. Comparison of the overall outcomes in each subset showed consistency in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This up-to-date meta-analysis reveals that the 3D display system is superior to the 2D system in clinical settings with significantly shorter operating time, less blood loss and shorter hospital stay. These findings suggest that, in laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgeries, 3D endoscopic system is preferable when condition permits. Future efforts should be made on decreasing the side effects of 3D display and increasing its cost-effectiveness.

Minimally Invasive Surgery in Pediatric Urology: Adaptations and New Frontiers

As the frontiers of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) continue to expand, the availability and implementation of new technology in pediatric urology are increasing. MIS is already an integral part of pediatric urology, but there is still much more potential change to come as both recent and upcoming advances in laparoscopic and robotic surgery are surveyed.