ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the feasibility of the single-port laparoscopic transvesical prostatectomy in pigs, and to summarize the technique difficulties, so as to lay a foundation for future clinical application. Methods: Six uncastrated male pigs were used in this study. The skin stomas were made through bladder exstrophy and the TriPort system was inserted into the bladder. Radical prostatectomy was performed as did in human using laparoscopic instruments through the TriPort system after inflating the bladder. The bladder and abdomen were closed after vesicourethral anastomosis, and the prostate specimens were removed through the skin stoma. Results: The first three procedures failed due to inappropriate positioning of TriPort system, limited space of bladder, and the high tension of vesicourethral anastomosis. The other 3 procedures were successful, with the periods used being 190 min,160 min, and 110 min. The whole prostates were resected completely, and the completeness of the urinary tract was recovered using interrupted suture (6 sutures). Conclusion: The single-port laparoscopic transvesical prostatectomy is a feasible procedure, but there are technical difficulties. Further experiments are needed on human cadavers before clinical application.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To close the incision of transvesical natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) with reserved sutures in pigs, and to assess the feasibility and safety of the technique, so as to lay a foundation for future clinical application. Methods: Five female pigs were inserted with self-made Trocar into the bladder under general anesthesia. Guided by ureteroscope, the needle passed the top wall of the anterior bladder and reached the abdominal wall, with two suture ends reserved for closure, one at the abdominal wall and the other in the urethra (out of Trocar). After finishing the transvesical NOTES, we pulled the suture end at the abdominal wall to the bladder and knotted outside the Trocar; then we dragged the urethra suture end to make the knot on the abdominal wall locating on the lateral wall of bladder, and then the urethral suture was knotted in Trocar and the knot was pushed to the bladder wall using a knot pushing device; finally the bladder incision was closed. The closure of the bladder incision was observed and tested with water filing method. Results: The first two cases failed due to the overweight and large size of the pigs, or because the bladder incision was to close to the bladder neck, or due to the poor quality of the suture. The procedures were successful in the following 3 pigs, with the operation time periods being 45 min, 30 min, and 25 min, and with satisfactory closure. Conclusion: Reserved suture for incision closure of transvesical NOTES procedure is safe and feasible; the technique is easy to perform and needs no special surgery devices; and it deserves further study.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the feasibility of nephrectomy via combined transgastric and transvesical approach in a porcine model, and to summarize our experience. Methods: Three female pigs were used in this study. The transvesical access was established using ureteroscope. The vesical hole was enlarged with the dilator of ureteroscope sheath and a self-designed Trocar was inserted. The gastroscope was inserted through a hole on gastric wall, which was made using a needle knife and dilator under ureteroscopy. The ultrasound knife, scissor and clips were introduced via the Trocar, and the nephrectomy was completed under the guidance of gastroscope. Results: The six kidneys of the three pigs were successfully resected, with the operation time being (132±10.5) min, without noticeable hemorrhage or complications. Mild hemorrhage occurred after ultrasonic ligation in the first nephrectomy, and was managed by clips. Clips were used to block the vessels before resection for the remaining five kidneys. Conclusion: Our method via combined approach is technically feasible for nephrectomy in a porcine model, but the kidneys have not been taken out and the puncture wounds on the bladder and gastric wall have not been closed, so further study is still needed.