Introduction: A retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (RN) for symptomatic hydronephrosis (SH) is a challenging procedure because of the limited working space. This report describes a specific technical modification for efficient and successful RN for SH by using the SAND balloon catheter. Patient and Methods: A 38-year-old woman underwent RN for SH caused by extrinsic compression of the ureter by a pelvic endometriosis. The SAND balloon catheter was directly inserted into the expanded hydronephrotic sac, and the liquid was extracted, appropriately. Urine leakage from the hydronephrotic sac could be avoided because the puncture site was sealed firmly between the two adjacent balloons at the tip of the catheter. Disposal counter traction using the catheter facilitated the mobilization of the hydronephrotic sac. Results: The patient was discharged 3 days after undergoing this procedure. Conclusions: This method improves the surgeon's vision and facilitates resection without causing any injury to the hydronephrotic sac wall during RN.
In the present study, we describe an 80-year-old patient who developed prostatic small cell carcinoma (SCC) following high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) for low-risk prostatic adenocarcinoma. The patient received one implant of Ir-192 and 7 fractions of 6.5 Gy within 3.5 days, for a total prescribed dose of 45.5 Gy. A total of 27 months after HDR-BT, the patient complained of difficulty in urinating. His serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were 3.2 ng/ml. Systemic examination revealed an enlargement of the prostate, urethral stenosis, pelvic lymph node swelling and multiple lung and bone lesions. His serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were elevated to 120 ng/ml. A prostate needle biopsy was performed for pathological examination. Histologically, there were tumor cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm showing a solid or trabecular growth pattern. Immunohistochemically, they were positive for AE1/AE3, CD56 and synaptophysin, and negative for PSA, PAP and CD57. These findings are consistent with SCC of the prostate. A review of the prostate needle biopsy specimen prior to HDR-BT did not reveal any tumor cells positive for chromogranin A, nor synaptophysin. The final diagnosis was SCC of the prostate with local progression, with lung, lymph node and bone metastases. Three cycles of etoposide/cisplatin (EP) were administered. A greater than 50% decrease in the serum NSE levels was observed. However, there was no objective response. Due to the deterioration of the patient's general condition, EP was discontinued. One month later, his serum NSE showed a rapid increase to 210 ng/ml with aggressive local progression and the patient succumbed to the disease 5.5 months after the start of EP therapy.
Objective: Herein, we report our experience with retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN) without hilar occlusion by the use of a laparoscopic clamp to induce selective regional ischemia. Methods: A 48-year-old woman was referred for a left upper polar renal mass, which was suspected to be malignant. The contralateral kidney revealed severe atrophy, and she was scheduled to undergo RPN using a laparoscopic clamp to induce selective regional ischemia. At first, the kidney is fully mobilized within the retroperitoneal space. Thereafter, the laparoscopic clamp is applied directly to the kidney, about 1 cm below the resection line. When closed, the renal parenchyma is compressed, so that blood supply to the tumor is interrupted. The preserved portion of the kidney is perfused normally, and it is possible to remove the tumor in a bloodless field without involving warm ischemia. Results: Renal hilar clamping was avoided, with minimal estimated blood loss. There was no perioperative complication, and the final pathology revealed a hemorrhagic renal cyst. The radioisotope absorption of the enucleated kidney was well maintained, except for the marginal area of the enucleated site. The renogram pattern was found to be equivocal when compared with the preoperative renogram. Conclusion: Regional renal parenchymal clamping during RPN can be safely and effectively used to create a bloodless operative field. Moreover, our preliminary experience demonstrates that this technique facilitates maximal nephron-sparing surgery for patients with an anatomically or functionally solitary kidney, without involving warm ischemia.
Three patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis underwent laparoscopic ureterolysis. Two patients were bilateral cases which were performed successfully as a one stage procedure. Another patient, who was unsuccessfully treated, had a long ureteral stricture. Laparoscopic ureterolysis may be a useful alternative to open surgical management especially in bilateral cases, except for patients with a long ureteral stricture.
Laparoscopic surgery has not yet met with widespread acceptance due to its degree of technical difficulty. The laparoscopic radical nephrectomy procedure was improved with the aid of an abdominal wall sealing device, a wound retractor, and a surgical glove.A 5 cm skin incision was made at the beginning of the operation. The Alexis wound retractor S was set up through this small incision. The wrist portion of the surgical glove (size 8-0) was then used to cover the outer ring of the wound retractor to maintain pneumoperitoneum. The surgeon can use most of the usual surgical instruments through the wound retractor during the laparoscopic surgery.These procedures were successfully conducted in all cases without open conversion, and no postoperative complications were observed.Glove-assisted laparoscopic surgery can be used to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures. This new technique made laparoscopic abdominal surgery easier and safer for beginners in laparoscopic surgery and skilled surgeons in open surgery.
During laparoscopy, as in open surgery, exposure is critical. Here, we describe the use of a laparoscope holder to facilitate the liver lift during urological laparoscopic surgery.Laparoscopic right radical nephrectomy (n = 3), partial nephrectomy (n = 1), and adrenalectomy (n = 2) were performed with 4 ports. At the beginning of the operation, the small snake retractor was placed through the 5-mm port under direct vision and the liver was lifted in the appropriate direction to optimize exposure.The laparoscope holder provided quick, reproducible retraction to facilitate exposure. No complications occurred with its use. The device reduced the need for a dedicated second assistant to stand bedside.We achieved significant improvements in the safety and efficiency of liver retraction during urological laparoscopic surgery using the laparoscope holder.