Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection: a combined technique.

INTRODUCTION: The important part of radical prostatectomy (RP) for high risk (HR) is extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). This method consists of two stages of surgery usually performed at the compartment (pre- or transperineally). AIM: We present our new combined technique of RP using two different approaches: a pre-peritoneal approach for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and a transperitoneal approach for ePLND. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients aged 53 to 75 years (mean age: 64 years) with prostate cancer who underwent LRP and ePLND using a combined technique. After the pre-peritoneal LRP, transposition of the trocars into the peritoneal cavity was performed without changing their location, except the extreme left trocar, which was inserted through a new approach. RESULTS: The total duration of surgery was 155 to 290 min (mean: 215 min); ePLND lasted from 35 to 85 min (mean: 56 min). The movement of trocars into the peritoneal cavity was a very simple maneuver, taking up to 1 min without any complications. The number of removed lymph nodes (LNs) ranged from 13 to 28 (mean: 16.8). A positive margin was found in 5 (16%) patients. We recognized positive nodes in 9 (30%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The combined technique is both feasible and safe. Performing the most difficult maneuver, removal of the prostate, in the first stage appears to be more comfortable for the operator. The timing of the PLND stage in the combined technique and the number of removed LNs do not differ from the standard lenticular access.

Simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy by retroperitoneal approach.

The indication for simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy and the choice of surgical technique is of key importance, as these patients are burdened with a large comorbidity. The paper reports our experience of seven successful and completed simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy procedures with retroperitoneal approach in the patient's flank position. Seven patients (mean age 34), were indicated for the removal of both kidneys before the planned transplant. Six patients underwent haemodialysis from 48 to 84 months, and one underwent peritoneal dialysis for 60 months. Two patients had undergone graftectomy. The indications were chronic infection or hypertension. The length of the kidneys ranged from 5.8 to 10cm. All procedures were performed by the laparoscopic technique with retroperitoneal approach, with the patient in the flank position. Three trocars were used on each side. The retroperitoneal space created did not require balloon dilatation. The kidneys were removed through the 10mm trocar hole after splitting. The duration of the procedure ranged from 150 to 240 minutes, average 139 minutes and blood loss ranged from100 to 250mL, average 142mL. There were no complications. In 6 patients, the postoperative dialysis was performed at zero-day. One patient continued peritoneal dialysis. Patients were discharged on the 2nd day, except one with peritoneal dialysis, who was discharged on the 3rd day. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy is a safe and effective technique, and it can be considered as an ideal approach for native nephrectomy. It allows for the preservation of peritoneal integrity and vessels for future vascular access.

Laparoscopic removal of a congenital seminal vesicle cyst in Zinner's syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Seminal vesicle cysts are rarely diagnosed, but symptomatic congenital seminal vesicle cysts are reported in the literature describing Zinner syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 26-year-old patient admitted to the urology department because of abdominal pain. A left seminal vesicle cyst and left kidney agenesis were found on examination, and the patient qualified for laparoscopic removal of the left seminal vesicle cyst. The procedure was performed with transperitoneal access using 5 trocars. The peritoneum was incised between the bladder and the rectum to reveal the left seminal vesicle, which was resected from the surrounding tissue. A TachoSil (Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Zurich, Switzerland) hemostatic sponge was placed in the ledge after cutting the base of the seminal vesicle. DISCUSSION: The aim of this study was to evaluate usefulness of the laparoscopic technique to remove a cystic seminal vesicle. The procedure lasted 180 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 50 mL. We did not record any intra- or postoperative complications. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the third postoperative day and remains symptom-free after 12 months. Histopathologic examination confirmed the presence of a seminal vesicle cyst, and renal agenesis and stenosis of the vas deferens suggests Zinner syndrome. Symptomatic seminal vesicle cysts are a good indication for the application of a laparoscopic technique and, in our opinion, this is better than the open technique because of the view into the surgical area. Therefore, it should be used as the method of choice in treating seminal vesicle defects.

Laparoscopic horseshoe kidney isthmusectomy: four case reports.

Horseshoe kidney is a congenital defect of the urinary tract that occurs in 0.25% of the general population. The indications for division of the isthmus of horseshoe kidney are controversial, and if done, it is during the concomitant removal of additional defects accompanying horseshoe kidney. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of isthmusectomy of horseshoe kidney using laparoscopy. This paper presents cases of 4 patients who underwent isthmusectomy, dismembered pyeloplasty, and stone removal using laparoscopy. All patients were operated on by a transperitoneal approach using 4 trocars. In 3 patients, we cut the renal isthmus by means of bipolar scissors and then we closed the renal parenchyma using two continuous hemostatic Vicryl 1-0 stitches. In 1 patient, an endostapler was used for isthmusectomy. The total operative time ranged from 4.5 h to 5.5 h including simultaneous dismembered pyeloplasty in 3 patients. Blood loss ranged from 40 ml to 300 ml. Use of the endostapler greatly facilitated the procedure. There were no complications either during or after the procedure. In all patients, mobilization and oral nutrition were included on the first or second day. On the third day, all patients were ready to be discharged from the hospital. Long-term follow-up after treatment showed good results in all patients. Laparoscopy is an alternative to open surgery, particularly in the correction of congenital defects of the urinary tract. Although the indications for division of the isthmus of horseshoe kidney are controversial, laparoscopic technique in isthmusectomy is safe for patients, as shown by our results.