Selective clamping hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for localized renal tumors: A novel technique.

Purpose: In this study, we described our initial experience and analyze the learning curve of segmental renal artery branch clamping with hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) using special instruments. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive cases of hand-assisted laparoscopic PN (LPN) between May 2015 and April 2018. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, perioperative details, postoperative complications, and warm ischemic time for segmental artery branch clamping were included in our analysis. We used the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method to generate learning curves. Results: Segmental renal artery branch clamping was successfully completed in 16 of 20 patients. The median tumor size was 2.9 cm (range, 1.7-7.0 cm), median operation time was 185 minutes (range, 140-245 minutes), median blood loss was 291 mL (range, 100-600 mL), and median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 4-7 days). The median selective ischemic time was 21 minutes (range, 16-35 minutes). No patient had postoperative complications, acute or delayed bleeding. The median pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels (0.91 and 0.98 mg/dL, respectively), and the pre- and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (89.7 and 79.6 mL/min per 1.73 m2, respectively) were similar. Upon visual assessment of the CUSUM plots, a downward inflection point for decreasing total operation time was observed in the 9th case and estimated blood loss in the 12th case. Conclusions: Our study shows that segmental renal artery branch clamping hand-assisted LPN for localized renal tumors is feasible, safe, and has a relatively short learning curve.

Kinematic and experimental investigation of manual resection tools for transurethral bladder tumor resection.

BACKGROUND: Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors (TURBT) is a challenging procedure partly due to resectoscope limitations. To date, manual resection performance has not been fully characterized. This work characterizes manual resection performance in the bladder while analyzing the effect of resection location on accuracy. METHODS: Kinematic simulations are used to assess kinematic measures of resection dexterity. An experimental protocol for manual resection accuracy assessment is developed. Cross correlations between the theoretical performance measures and the observed experimental accuracy are investigated. RESULTS: Tangential accuracy correlates relatively strongly with normal singular value and moderately with tangential kinematic conditioning index and tangential minimum singular value. Simulations also clarified difficulties in resecting close to the bladder neck. CONCLUSIONS: Measures to evaluate accuracy and dexterity of TURBT from a kinematic viewpoint are presented to provide a currently missing quantified dexterity baseline in manual TURBT. Limitations in various bladder regions are illustrated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of five-finger robotic hand using master-slave control for hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

This study aims to develop a robotic hand as a substitute for a surgeon's hand in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). We determined the requirements for the proposed hand from a surgeon's motions in HALS. We identified four basic behaviors: "power grasp," "precision grasp," "open hand for exclusion," and "peace sign for extending peritoneum." The proposed hand had the minimum necessary DOFs for performing these behaviors, five fingers as in a human's hand, a palm that can be folded when a surgeon inserts the hand into the abdomen, and an arm for adjusting the hand's position. We evaluated the proposed hand based on a performance test and a physician's opinions, and we confirmed that it can grasp organs.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic bladder cuff excision via the same hand port as that used for nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report our technique of hand-assisted laparoscopic bladder cuff excision through the same hand port as that used for nephroureterectomy and evaluate its benefits and short-term oncologic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 67 consecutive patients treated by a single surgeon between June 2011 and November 2014 with hand-assisted laparoscopic bladder cuff excision through the same hand port as that used for nephroureterectomy. We retrospectively analyzed procedure-related clinical data and short-term oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 66.2 ± 10.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 17.6 months (range 1-37 months). The mean operation time was 243.5 ± 60.4 min. There were no major accidents or open conversions. Forty-two patients (63 %) underwent immediate mitomycin C instillation without complications. There was one high-grade complication (prolonged lymphatic leakage) that required reoperation and multiple hospitalizations. Thirty patients (45 %) underwent regional lymph node dissection. The pathological stages included CIS in 2 (3 %), Ta/T1 in 32 (48 %), T2 in 6 (9 %), T3 in 27 (40 %), and N+ in 4 (6 %) cases. G1, G2, and G3 were seen in 3 (5 %), 21 (31 %), and 43 (64 %) patients, respectively. Eighteen patients (26 %) underwent postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients died during the study period, and nine patients (13 %) had bladder recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: HAL bladder cuff excision through the same hand port used for nephroureterectomy is a feasible technique that is both amenable to oncologic principles and can reproduce the open surgical technique.

[DELAYED PORT DEPLOYMENT FOR HAND-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC DONOR NEPHRECTOMY. CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW].

The standard method of surgical treatment of end-stage renal failure is kidney transplantation. A laparoscopic method of organ retrieval from a living donor is currently preferred. The techniques of laparoscopic surgery include hand-assisted nephrectomy and "pure" laparoscopic nephrectomy. We present analysis of the literature data and our own data on the use of the advantages of each of the techniques. A case of complication associated with the use of hand-port from our own practice is described.

Comparison of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery using tissue fusion devices and open resection for treatment of rectosigmoid carcinoma.

Modern tissue fusion devices used in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS), a method of combining endoscopic surgery with tactile sensation, can minimize surgical trauma and hospitalization times beyond both conventional laparoscopy and open surgery. The outcomes of HALS using tissue fusion devices and conventional open surgery for curative resection of rectosigmoid carcinoma were compared. A total of 78 (45 males, 33 females; mean age, 57.2±11.7 y) rectosigmoid carcinoma patients underwent HALS surgery (HALS group) and 78 age-matched, sex-matched, and tumor status-matched rectosigmoid carcinoma patients (control group) underwent open resection between June 2008 and June 2010. In the HALS and control groups, abdominal incision length, intraoperative blood loss, procedure time, postoperative abdominal drainage, time to first flatus (bowel function return), length of hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and pathology were assessed. Procedure times were similar in both groups (142.37±42.09 vs. 137.56±36.24 min). However, length of abdominal incision (5.14±0.47 vs. 13.17±2.41 cm), intraoperative blood loss (125.96±75.58 vs. 142.56±65.37 mL), need for postoperative analgesia, bowel function return (68.01±22.64 vs. 79.77±19.94 h), and postoperative hospital stay (6.47±1.73 vs. 7.73±1.71 d) were all significantly improved in the HALS group. At a median follow-up of 26 months, no significant differences in anastomotic recurrence were observed between groups (1 case/each group). Thus, the HALS approach for curative resection of rectosigmoid carcinoma was found to be similarly safe and effective compared with open resection. Furthermore, HALS may improve postoperative recovery and reduce hospitalization times.

Hand-assisted, conventional and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for partial nephrectomy without ischemia using a microwave tissue coagulator.

PURPOSE: We report our experience of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy without ischemia using a microwave tissue coagulator (MTC) for hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (HALPN), conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (CLPN), and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for partial nephrectomy (LESSPN). We retrospectively compared the results of these techniques to better define the individual role and the benefits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2005 to September 2012, 28 patients with small and exophytic renal tumors underwent HALPN (n = 12), CLPN (n = 10) and LESSPN (n = 6). In these procedures, the surgeon used an MTC for circumferential coagulation around the tumor. After coagulation, the tumor was resected without renal pedicle clamping. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 259, 194 and 174 min for the HALPN, CLPN and LESSPN groups respectively. Two patients (one in HALPN group and one in LESSPN group) converted to laparotomy due to an inability to maintain hemostasis; however, there were no conversions to ischemic partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy. No differences between HALPN, CLPN and LESSPN were noted in terms of estimated blood loss, measured analgesic requirements, outcomes, or complications. CONCLUSION: We believe that these techniques are feasible and that they minimize the risk of unexpected collateral thermal damage by appropriate MTC needle puncture. When deciding to use HALPN, CLPN or LESSPN, our findings suggest that the choice of surgical approach should depend on the patient's individual circumstance.

Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Cancer and Liver Metastases through Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery: Preliminary Exploration.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To describe the initial experience of simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases through hand-assisted laparoscopy (HALS). METHODOLOGY: After endotracheal general anesthesia, patients were placed in the Trendelenburg with lithotomy position. A 5-cm longitudinal subumbilical port was created, and the Lap Disc device was placed and pneumoperitoneum was established. A laparoscope was inserted to explore the liver and the whole pelvic cavity. The surgeon stood on the right side or between the patient's legs, and a 10-mm trocar was placed in the abdominal wall based upon the location of the tumor. The liver and the colorectal lesion were reselected with the assisted-hand through the Lap Disc to establish the possibility of resection, the tumor margin, and metastasis. RESULTS: Simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases through HALS were successful in all eight patients with operating time of 2-4 h. Average intraoperative blood loss was 100-300 ml, and no severe postoperative complications were observed. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was 7.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: HALS for simultaneous resection of colorectal and metastatic liver cancer has the advantages of safety, feasibility, minimal invasion, shorter operation time, reduced operative difficulty less pain and rapid recovery.

Safe initiation of a laparoendoscopic single site living donor nephrectomy program in a small-volume transplant center.

OBJECTIVE: To describe keys to successful programmatic implementation of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS)-living donor nephrectomy (LDN) in a small-volume center. Laparoscopic LDN has become the standard of care. Technically challenging LESS-LDN has been limited to high-volume centers. However, approximately half of all U.S. transplant centers perform ≤15 LDNs/year, including our center. METHODS: A hand-assisted laparoscopy (HAL) device was used as the LESS platform at a periumbilical midline incision. We used an adhesive drape to cover the platform to prevent gas leakage. A 30° telescope and 3-4 instruments were inserted through its gel-cap. After careful dissection, the kidney was bagged into a recovery device with an external handle before its vessels were ligated with staples and was then removed immediately through the LESS wound. RESULTS: LESS-LDN was successful in all of 10 living donors without any multisite laparoscopic or open conversion and without any instruments inserted through extra wounds. No patient had perioperative complications or received transfusions. Median operative time was 271 minutes with a warm ischemia time (WIT) of 3.5 minutes. Hospital stay averaged 2 days with visual analog pain score 4 of 10 at discharge and 2 of 10 at 2 weeks. All recipients recuperated well with immediate graft function. CONCLUSION: Our LESS-LDN technique offers improved cosmesis, favorable perioperative outcomes, and versatile options for conversion, if necessary, making it a viable approach for small-volume centers.

Laparoendoscopic single-site common bile duct exploration using the manual manipulator.

BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery has developed as a new surgical modality that has increased cosmetic benefits over conventional endoscopic surgery. However, there are no reports about LESS surgery in common bile duct exploration. This report presents a LESS surgery to manage CBD stones by laparoscopic choledochotomy and C-tube placement with favorable outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective review analyzes 13 patients who underwent LESS CBD exploration with C-tube drainage for choledocholithiasis. The technique is herein described and the outcomes measured. The Radius Surgical System (Tübingen Scientific Medical, Tübingen, Germany) is a flexible manual manipulator that was applied for suturing and ligation to overcome the difficulties associated with LESS surgery. RESULTS: The diameters of the CBDs ranged from 12 to 20 mm, the median number of stones was 5.8, and the median diameter of stones was 9 mm. All of the routine procedures including choledochotomy, intraoperative ultrasound, choledochoscopy, and intraoperative cholangiography guidance were performed. Stone clearance from the CBD was achieved for all but one of the patients. It was possible to close the common bile duct opening with regular forceps, but this required extra effort compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. On the other hand, the manual manipulator enabled the optimal penetration angle and was useful for both intracorporeal suturing and ligation for the closure of the common bile duct opening. The manual manipulator also helped to overcome in-line viewing and hand/instruments collisions, which are common problems in LESS surgery. No mortality was associated with this procedure, and two wound infections were drained without anesthesia. No recurrent stones were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: LESS surgery was successfully applied to CBD exploration as an available alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgery. This method is technically feasible and produces superior cosmetic results. The manual manipulator may therefore have several advantages for performing LESS surgery.

Retroperitoneoscopic hand-assisted nephroureterectomy using a homemade device.

PURPOSE: To carry out hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) and open bladder cuff excision using a homemade hand-assist device. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma received HARN and open bladder cuff excisions. The procedures were carried out using a homemade hand-assist device comprising a medium-sized Alexis wound retractor and surgical gloves. The Alexis wound retractor was positioned through a 7-8-cm Gibson incision ready for use. The surgeon inserted the double-gloved, nondominant hand into the retroperitoneal space via the wound retractor. During the procedure, the cuff of the surgeon's outer surgical glove was turned outside-in and snapped onto the external ring of the Alexis wound retractor to prevent carbon dioxide gas leakage. We successfully created pneumoretroperitoneum by insufflating with carbon dioxide at 15 mm Hg. The procedure was carried out through the 7-8-cm Gibson incision and two additional laparoscopic ports. RESULTS: All procedures were performed without complication. The mean estimated blood loss was 81 mL. The mean operation time was 103 minutes. Morphine (mean, 17.6 mg) was administered for pain relief for 1-3 days following surgery. The mean time for recommencing oral intake was 1.5 days, and that to ambulation was 2.0 days. There were no wound complications related to the homemade hand-assist device. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results show that carrying out HARN using a homemade hand-assist device is safe and feasible. Our homemade hand-assist device offers a cost reduction for the HARN procedure over using commercially available devices.

Minimal incision based on measurement of the to-be-resected specimen in laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Recent technological improvements in laparoscopic devices have significantly extended the surgeon's ability to perform laparoscopic liver surgery safely. Hand-assisted laparoscopy has been proposed in order to achieve greater safety and accessibility in laparoscopic liver surgery. Moreover, in order to expand the indications of minimally invasive liver resection and improve its safety, the "hybrid procedure" or "laparoscopy-assisted resection" has been proposed. Hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection consists of the placement of a gas-tight port through an 8cm incision that enables a hand to be introduced into the abdomen. The "hybrid procedure" is performed through an 8-12cm midline or subcostal incision. Such a minimal abdominal incision is preferred not only for cosmetic reasons but also for obtaining adequate surgical margin. We performed laparoscopic liver resection via a minimal incision that was based on the measurement of the to-be-resected specimen intraoperatively by ultrasonography. Here, we have described our procedure and evaluated its efficacy.

Assessment of joystick and wrist control in hand-held articulated laparoscopic prototypes.

BACKGROUND: Various steerable instruments with flexible distal tip have been developed for laparoscopic surgery. The problem of steering such instruments, however, remains a challenge, because no study investigated which control method is the most suitable. This study was designed to examine whether thumb (joystick) or wrist control method is designated for prototypes of steerable instruments by means of motion analysis. METHODS: Five experts and 12 novices participated. Each participant performed a needle-driving task in three directions (right → left, up → down, and down → up) with two prototypes (wrist and thumb) and a conventional instrument. Novices performed the tasks in three sessions, whereas experts performed one session only. The order of performing the tasks was determined by Latin squares design. Assessment of performance was done by means of five motion analysis parameters, a newly developed matrix for assigning penalty points, and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The thumb-controlled prototype outperformed the wrist-controlled prototype. Comparison of the results obtained in each task showed that regarding penalty points, the up → down task was the most difficult to perform. CONCLUSIONS: The thumb control is more suitable for steerable instruments than the wrist control. To avoid uncontrolled movements and difficulties with applying forces to the tissue while keeping the tip of the instrument at the constant angle, adding a "locking" feature is necessary. It is advisable not to perform the needle driving task in the up → down direction.

A randomized trial of training the non-dominant upper extremity to enhance laparoscopic performance.

INTRODUCTION: In laparoscopy, the surgeon's dominant arm will execute difficult tasks with less effort compared to the non-dominant arm. This leads to a relative overuse of muscles on this side. We hypothesized that training the non-dominant arm would improve laparoscopic skills. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At baseline, all participants performed three validated tasks on a virtual reality simulator. After randomization, subjects in the intervention group were assigned training tasks. All these tasks had to be performed with the non-dominant hand. Within a week after a three-week study period, participants performed the same three tasks as before. RESULTS: Twenty-six participants were included, 13 in each group. At baseline, there were no differences between groups on all tested parameters. Compliance to training tasks was good. At the end of three weeks, subjects in both groups showed similar improvement of skills on the non-dominant side. On the dominant side, however, subjects in the training group showed significant better improvement of skills on four out of eight parameters. CONCLUSION: Specific training of the non-dominant upper extremity appears to lead to improvement of skills on the dominant side, a phenomenon known in literature as intermanual transfer of skill learning. To improve laparoscopic skills, bimanual training is recommended.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial splenectomy using an endopath monopolar sealer.

A partial splenectomy is a good way to prevent postsplenectomy infections by preservation of the immune role of the spleen for select patients. Although a laparoscopic total splenectomy is a safe and feasible treatment modality, the laparoscopic approach has not been generally adopted for a partial splenectomy because of technical difficulties. The hand-assisted technique provides an excellent means to explore, to retract safely, and to apply immediate hemostasis in solid organ resection. The hand-assisted laparoscopic partial splenectomy using an endopath monopolar sealer (Salient EndoSH2.0 Monopolar Sealer) was performed successfully. The segmental arteries and veins were isolated and divided using a tactile feedback. Splenic parenchyma was dissected and sealed using an endopath monopolar sealer. The surgical field was almost bloodless during the parenchymal transection and the transection time was around 15 minutes. The hand-assisted laparoscopic approach allows partial splenectomy as a safe and bloodless surgery for select patients.

Assessment of electrosurgical hand controls integrated into a laparoscopic grasper.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively determine the optimal ergonomic placement of novel electrosurgical hand controls integrated into a standard laparoscopic grasper to optimize functionality. This device will allow laparoscopic surgeons to hand-operate standard electrosurgical equipment, eliminating the use of electrosurgical foot pedals, which are prone to activation errors and cause uncomfortable body positions for the physician. Three hand control designs were evaluated by 26 participants during the performance of four basic inanimate laparoscopic electrosurgical tasks. Task completion time, actuation force, forearm electromyography (EMG) and user preference were evaluated for each hand control design. Task speed was controlled using a metronome to minimize subject variability, and resulted in no significant completion time differences between task types (P > 0.05). Hand control design 1 (CD 1) resulted in the ability to generate significantly greater actuation force for three of the four tasks (P < 0.05) with minimal forearm muscle activation. Additionally, CD 1 was rated significantly better for comfort and ease-of-use compared to the other two hand control designs (P < 0.05). As a result, CD 1 was determined to be an advantageous ergonomic design for the novel electrosurgical hand controls.