Laparoscopic specimen extraction: morcellation

Laparoscopic specimen extraction in vitro: preliminary experience

BACKGROUND

The last procedure performed by the surgeon in laparoscopic surgery is to extract the specimen through the smallest incision possible. This experiment aimed to explore the maximum diameter of specimens that can be extracted through auxiliary incisions of different lengths and shapes by in vitro physical experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the abdominal wall with the muscle layer, fixed on a square wooden frame, to simulate the human abdominal wall. Then, specimen extraction ports were made with circular, inverted Y-shaped and straight-line incisions of different sizes and lengths, and specimens of different sizes were made from tissues of different species. These specimens were extracted from different incisions with a force gauge. The tension value (N) was measured, and records were made of the length or diameter of the smallest auxiliary incision through which a given specimen could pass, as well as the largest specimen diameter that could pass through an incision of a given size. This experiment provides us with preliminary experience-based knowledge of how to choose the appropriate auxiliary incision for surgical specimen extraction according to the diameter of the specimen.

RESULTS

The maximum diameters of specimens that could be extracted with circular ostomy diameters of 2.4, 2.7 and 3.3 cm were 4.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cm, respectively. Specimens with diameters of 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 cm could be extracted through inverted Y-shaped incisions with a length around the umbilicus of 1 cm and an extension length of 1.0, 3.0, and 4.0 cm, respectively. Moreover, these same specimens could be extracted through inverted Y-shaped incisions with a length around the umbilicus of 2 cm and extension lengths of 0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 cm. Tough tissue specimens (made from chicken gizzards) with diameters of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 cm, respectively, could be removed through straight-line incisions measuring 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 cm in length.

CONCLUSION

Along with preoperative imaging, surgical planning and trocar position, the shape and length of auxiliary incisions can be used to improve the extraction of specimens via laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic Management of Kidney Cancer: Updated Review

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy has emerged as the preferred option for the surgical management of kidney cancer. Although many reports have been published regarding the operative outcome of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and upper-tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCCA) treated laparoscopically, few review the oncologic outcome of these pathologies treated with laparoscopic techniques.

METHODS

We review the literature regarding the laparoscopic approaches, the complications related to laparoscopic surgery, and the long-term oncologic results of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, and nephroureterectomy.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has become the new standard of care for most patients with suspected RCCs that are not amenable to nephron-sparing procedures. Laparoscopic techniques for managing RCC and TCCA are safe, follow well-established guidelines for surgical dissection, and meet or exceed perioperative convalescence and oncologic outcomes compared to traditional open procedures. The surgical techniques and the long-term outcome data for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy continue to mature.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive option available to most patients with kidney cancer. The immediate benefits of laparoscopy are well established and include less estimated blood loss, decreased pain, shorter perioperative convalescence, and improved cosmesis. Long-term oncologic outcomes of patients treated laparoscopically for kidney tumors resemble those of the open surgical approach.

Reduction in Renal Specimen After Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy: A Histopathologic Analysis

Abstract Background and Purpose: There is no consensus on the most appropriate way to extract the kidney after laparoscopy. A previous study evaluated the reduction in total kidney volume and incision size (40%) after perfusion with a 5% hypertonic solution in a porcine model. The purpose of the current study was to compare the histopathologic renal tumor diagnosis before and after this perfusion. Furthermore, fluid drained from the renal vein was analyzed for the presence of neoplastic cells. Materials and Methods: After radical nephrectomy, specimens of 21 cases of renal tumors were studied. A small piece of the tumor was removed and fixed in formaldehyde. After that, 500 mL of a 5% NaCL solution was infused through the renal artery. The first 10 mL drained from the vein was collected and sent for cytologic study. The specimens and the fragment were analyzed. The parameters studied were histologic subtypes, Fuhrman grade, necrosis, and microvascular invasion. Results: Clear-cell renal carcinoma was found in 81% of the cases. Two cases of chromophobic renal carcinoma, one case of papillary tumor, and one case of oncocytoma were found. There were no differences in histologic subtypes, Fuhrman grade, necrosis, and microvascular invasion before and after perfusion in most of the cases. All cytologic analysis of drained liquid from the renal vein was negative for neoplastic cells. Conclusions: Renal perfusion with 5% NaCL solution after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy did not interfere with the histopathologic and cytologic characteristics of the kidney. In addition, all samples from the liquid drained from the renal vein were negative for neoplastic cells. These findings suggest that renal shrinkage with hypertonic saline after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is feasible and might be useful for patients with kidney cancer. Validation of our results as well as their impact on clinical outcomes is warranted.

Specimen processing during laparoscopic renal surgery: a review of techniques and technologies

Laparoscopic surgery has well-defined benefits for patients and has become accepted over time as a standard access strategy for the management of benign and malignant urologic diseases. Unlike in open surgery, the surgeon is often faced with the additional challenges of specimen retrieval and extraction at the end of laparoscopic extirpative procedures. This final step often requires significant laparoscopic skill to entrap and safely extract the laparoscopic specimens. Failure to apply safe exit steps at the end of a laparoscopic procedure may lead to significant morbidity. The aim of this review is to explore the different techniques and technologies available for laparoscopic kidney retrieval, entrapment and safe extraction.

Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urological malignancy: forgotten or missed

Purpose. Port-site metastasis has been a concern with the common use of laparoscopy in urologic oncology. We conducted this study to provide a review of port-site metastases reported after the laparoscopy in managing urologic malignancies, possible contributing factors and preventative measures. Materials and Methods. An electronic search of MEDLINE using the combined MESH key words “port-site metastasis” and “Urology”. Results. 51 articles addressing port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy were identified. Conclusion. Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy is rare. The incidence is comparable to the rate for surgical wound metastases.

Electrosurgery as the sole means of haemostasis during the laparoscopic removal of pathologically enlarged ovaries in mares: a report of 55 cases

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

There is little published clinical evidence on the use of a laparoscopic approach for the removal of pathologically enlarged ovaries in standing mares.

OBJECTIVES

To show the orders of success and complication rates that can be expected if pathologically enlarged ovaries are removed from standing, sedated mares under laparoscopic guidance using only electrosurgical means of haemostasis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of 55 mares in which the removal of an enlarged ovary was attempted by applying a standard laparoscopic procedure for routine ovariectomy in standing mares including a reliance solely on one of 2 types of electrosurgical bipolar forceps with an integrated guillotine for haemostasis and transection of the ovarian pedicle. The outcomes and complications encountered were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk of any complications associated with the size of the ovary removed and the instrument used.

RESULTS

In 54 of the 55 mares, the surgery was successfully accomplished by the planned approach. In one mare there was significant intraoperative haemorrhage and this necessitated the additional use of a prosthetic haemostatic device. The only other complications encountered were post operative abdominal discomfort (n = 9), delayed incisional wound healing (n = 6) and iatrogenic uterine puncture (n = 2). One mare developed a rectal tear, but not as a direct complication of the surgical procedure. None of these prevented a long-term successful outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The removal of pathologically enlarged ovaries (up to 30 cm diameter) from mares under standing sedation can be accomplished predictably and safely by applying the standard laparoscopic approach that is established for routine laparoscopic ovariectomy, including a reliance solely on endoscopic electrosurgery instruments for haemostasis of the ovarian pedicle.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

This study shows that the simple standing laparoscopic technique now favoured for routine ovariectomy can be used safely and reliably for the removal of pathologically enlarged ovaries. This promises to be of significant clinical advantage to mares so affected.

Rapidly reversible closure of mini-laparotomy during laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Specimen extraction has been described as the "Achilles heel" of laparoscopic colonic surgery. In most cases, this extraction is performed via a tailored, appropriately placed mini-laparotomy incision. Immediate closure of this mini-laparotomy following specimen extraction wastes operative time and prevents the incision from being used for access later on in the procedure. The use of hand assist devices to allow reversible closure has been reported, not without its own drawbacks including cost and difficulty of use. We hereby describe a technique of creating a rapidly reversible closure of the mini-laparotomy incision using a simple wound protector. This technique is simple, easily reproducible, inexpensive, and effective, leading to time savings in the operating room when applied properly.

In-vitro renal shrinkage after hypertonic saline perfusion for organ removal during laparoscopic nephrectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate the possibility of shrinking the kidney by perfusion with hypertonic solution to facilitate organ removal in laparoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After 18 open nephrectomies (ONs) in 9 pigs, one of four saline solutions (5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 15%) was infused through a catheter into the renal artery for 5 minutes in four kidneys each. The volumes and weights of the kidneys were measured before and after renal perfusion; the kidneys were then sent for histologic evaluation. Eight ONs were performed, and the kidneys were removed from the abdominal cavity in a plastic bag in order to mimic organ entrapment during laparoscopy. The kidneys were perfused with hypertonic solution and were again put in a plastic bag and removed from the same animal's abdomen through another incision. The incisions were measured with calipers before and after extraction of the unperfused and perfused organs.

RESULTS

The kidneys that underwent perfusion with 5% saline had the greatest decrease in both weight and volume, an average of 16% and 17.8%, respectively. The average incision needed for extraction of unperfused kidneys was 44.9 mm (range 40-58 mm), whereas the mean size of the incision needed to remove perfused kidneys was 26.6 mm (range 20-30 mm) (P < 0.001). The relative reduction in the necessary incision size therefore was 44.3% (range 33.3%-55%).

CONCLUSION

Perfusion with 5% saline is able to shrink the kidney volume slightly with mild histologic changes. In the pig, it is possible to decrease the renal incision necessary for kidney removal by 44% using this method.

Oncologic outcome of 132 cases of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intact specimen removal for T1-2N0M0 renal cell carcinoma

We present the short and long-term oncologic outcome of 132 patients with pathologically confirmed T1-T2, N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC), who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intact specimen removal at our institution. Beginning January 1998, we prospectively collected data of 132 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, whose final pathologic stage was T1 or T2, N0M0, RCC. The clinical data of three groups categorized as group (pT1a)--36 patients, group (pT1b)--51 patients and group (pT2)--45 patients were analyzed statistically to assess oncological outcome. The specimens were removed intact without morcellation in all patients in a homemade plastic bag. The total median follow-up was 56 months (range 3-80 months) and there were no local or port-site recurrences or hernia. Patients with pT2 tumors had significantly greater operating time, blood loss and analgesic requirements than pT1a/pT1b tumor patients. The distant metastases were found in 1, 4 and 5 patients in group pT1a, pT1b and pT2, respectively. The 5-year cancer-specific survival was 97.2, 86.3 and 82.2%, respectively, in pT1a, pT1b and pT2 tumor patients (significantly lower in pT2 than pT1a, P = 0.008). The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 97.2, 84.3 and 82.2%, respectively, in pT1a, pT1b and pT2 tumor patients (significantly lower in pT2 than pT1a, P = 0.02). Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (retroperitoneal and transperitoneal route) with intact specimen removal for localized renal cell carcinoma (T1-2N0M0) provides satisfactory short and long-term oncologic efficacy.

Laparoscopic renal surgery for benign disease

Fifteen years after the first report, laparoscopic nephrectomy has demonstrated proven efficacy and safety comparable with an open approach, with a significant advantage of a faster recovery. Wide dissemination of these surgical techniques and continued improvement in instrumentation has made laparoscopy the preferred approach for treating benign pathologic conditions of the kidney. In this review, the expanding indications of laparoscopic simple nephrectomy and the outcomes of the larger clinical series are examined. We discuss the technical aspects of both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. Finally, laparoscopic cyst decortication and some of the novel applications of laparoscopic renal surgery are highlighted.

Expanding the indications for laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an established treatment for patients with clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma who are unsuitable for nephron-sparing surgery. In this review we summarize the expanding indications for laparoscopic nephrectomy, including large tumors, locally advanced disease, venous thrombi and cytoreductive surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Laparoscopic nephrectomy remains the foremost conventional laparoscopic procedure in urologic surgery. Multiple studies have demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for stage T2 tumors, showing less morbidity and earlier return to activity compared to the open approach. Confirmation of durable oncologic control requires randomized prospective trials with longer follow-up. With growing experience, laparoscopic surgery has been extended to patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with limited local invasion and lymph node metastases. Experimental studies demonstrate the technical feasibility of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the presence of renal vein and inferior vena cava thrombi. In well-selected patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, laparoscopic cytoreductive nephrectomy can be performed safely, with less morbidity than open nephrectomy.

SUMMARY

Minimally invasive surgery results in significantly less postoperative morbidity than does open surgery. The intermediate oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for advanced renal cell carcinoma are comparable to those historically achieved with open radical nephrectomy. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm survival equivalence.

Lessons learned in the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma

Surgical excision, the mainstay of management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), has evolved significantly over the last 4 decades. Radiological imaging is crucial to the diagnosis and staging of RCC, and technological advances have facilitated more precise preoperative assessment. Additionally, wider use of cross-sectional imaging modalities has led to increasing incidental diagnosis of small, early-stage RCC. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), originally developed to treat RCC arising in a solitary functioning kidney, has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective alternative to radical nephrectomy. NSS is now also applicable to tumors of suitable size and anatomy in patients with a normal contralateral kidney, thus facilitating preservation of renal function and management of metachronous contralateral pathology. Laparoscopic and percutaneous approaches have developed over the last decade, thus providing minimally invasive modalities, with shortened convalescence and improved cosmesis. Advanced RCC, involving venous extension or nodal spread, is increasingly amenable to surgical management, although appropriate patient selection is crucial. Furthermore, surgical excision of the primary lesion appears to be an integral part of systemic therapy for metastatic RCC.