Novel method of full-thickness bladder closure with an endoscopic suturing machine: a survival study in a porcine model.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a pure endoscopic closure method for vesical perforations using fully absorbable material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot experimental study was performed in eight anaesthetized female pigs. Four 10-mm and four 20-mm endoscopic full thickness cystotomies were created. An endoscopic suturing machine (RD-180(®) ; LSI Solutions, Victor, NY, USA) was deployed through the working channel of a cystoscope and used to close the incisions with absorbable sutures. Immediate assessment of the quality of the closure was obtained by distending the bladder with saline solution stained with methylene blue under laparoscopic control. After 3 weeks of follow-up, a necropsy examination was performed to check for signs of peritonitis and wound dehiscence and to assess the quality of healing. RESULTS: The experiment was completed in all eight pigs without complications. The median procedure time was 10 ± 4.3 min. The immediate bladder distention test did not show any methylene blue leakage. The postoperative period was uneventful. The post mortem examination after 3 weeks revealed complete healing of the bladder wall incisions with no signs of infection, wound dehiscence or adhesions in the peritoneal cavity of any of the pigs. CONCLUSION: This study describes a successful novel method for endoscopic closure of bladder perforations. The technique was easy, reproducible and safe. Nevertheless, further experimental investigation should be carried out before clinical application of this method.