Complications of entry using Direct Trocar and/or Veress Needle compared with modified open approach entry in laparoscopy: six-year experience.

PURPOSE: To compare the results obtained from three routine laparoscopic entry techniques, including Direct Trocar (DT), Veress Needle (VN), and Open Approach (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Safety and efficacy of three main laparoscopic entry techniques were evaluated prospectively in 453 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopy either with DT, VN, or modified OA technique in recent six years. RESULTS: Of 453 patients, 105 (23.2%) were operated on with the DT, 168 (37.1%) with the VN, and 180 (39.7%) with the modified OA technique. Statistical differences were seen among the groups in terms of mean age (P = .003), male-to-female ratio (P < .001), indications for the operation (P < .001), and mean trocar insertion time (P < .001). Three major complications (1 colon perforation and 2 iliac artery injuries) occurred in DT and one (iliac artery injury) in VN group, and modified OA group had no major complication (P = .04). Four major complications required laparotomy. Minor complications were seen in 6 (5.8%), 9 (5.4%), and 17 (9.4%) patients (P = .274) and gas leakage in 4 (3.8%), 16 (9.5%), and 27 (15%) patients (P = .01) in DT, VN, and modified OA groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although DT and VN are rapid and relatively safe, they can be associated with major complications. Therefore, modified OA seems to be safe, feasible, and most acceptable due to less major complications.

Laparoscopic ureteropelvic junction decompression for the management of obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: We reported the outcome and complications of laparoscopic aberrant vessels transposition without performing pyeloplasty in patients with ureteropelvic stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 patients with ureteropelvic stenosis accompanying with aberrant vessels underwent laparoscopic transposition of vessels between June 2001 and March 2003. 4 of the cases were male and 6 were female, and 4 out of 10 had right side and 6 had left side involvement. The mean age was 31.9 (14 - 59). Reaction of aberrant vessels was performed by cutting the vain and fixing the artery to the lipid layer around the kidney and renal pelvis. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all the cases without any perioperative complications. The operative time was 2.20 hours (1.45 - 2.50) including cystoscopy, DJ placement, and transposition. Mean hospital stay was 2.9 (2-5) days, and patients were followed up an average of 9.1 (3-22) months. Except one case of rehospitalization due to pain, no complication occurred. The rate of clinical and radiological improvement was 100% and IVP showed a decrease in the degree of hydronephrosis as well as the resolution of obstruction observed in renogram. CONCLUSION: With regard to our findings, it seems, at least in a proportion of patients with UPJ stenosis accompanied with crossing vessels, that mechanical compression is the mere cause of obstruction and primary stenosis does not coexist. As a result, treatment is achieved by transposition of the crossing vessels without entering the renal unit.

A comparison of augmentation cystoplasty before and after renal transplantation with the control group.

INTRODUCTION: We compared two surgical methods of augmentation cystoplasty (AC), before and after renal transplantation, and the outcomes of both methods with transplant patients with normal bladder function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1520 kidney transplantations were performed at Shahid Labbafinejad Center between March 1988 and February 2002 of which 36 cases was accompanied with AC. In 20 patients (group A) AC was performed before transplantation. This group consisted of 14 males and 6 females with a mean age of 26.1 (13-39) at the time of transplantation. Sixteen patients consisting of 11 males and 5 females (mean age 27.3, 12-44) underwent AC after transplantation. Eventually 40 transplant patients with normal bladder function were assigned in the control group including 18 males and 22 females with a mean age of 31.2 (11-55) (group C). RESULTS: Normal graft function was achieved in 16, 13, and 33 patients of groups A, B, and C respectively over the mean follow-up of 70, 59, and 76 months (p<0.7). Mean serum creatinine during the follow-up was 1.48+/-0.4, 1.7+/-1, and 1.4+/-0.55 for groups A, B, and C respectively. 9, 12, and 17 patients (26, 64, and 34 cases) with UTI requiring hospital admission were observed in the 3 groups respectively. The incident of UTI and the resultant hospitalization in group B was more than the one in group C (p<0.03), but it did not differ significantly from group A to group C. CONCLUSION: AC is a safe and effective method to improve the lower urinary system function and with the exception of increased risk of UTI following AC after transplantation (group B), there is no considerable difference in the complication rates between AC before and after renal transplantation. As a result, we can perform AC before or after kidney transplantation in patients with dysfunctional lower urinary tract system up to their specific conditions.