Comparison of Oncological Outcomes between Transperitoneal and Retroperitoneal Approaches in Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomies for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background and Objectives: Our aim was to clarify the oncological outcomes of the two different approaches to laparoscopic nephroureterectomies (LNUs) in Japan, and to examine whether there were any significant differences between the transperitoneal approach and the retroperitoneal approach. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent an LNU for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) from January 2013 to December 2022. We identified 52 patients who underwent a transperitoneal LNU (tLNU) and 93 who underwent a retroperitoneal LNU (rLNU). We adopted age, smoking, and pT-stage matching, and 43 patients were classified in each group. We investigated the time from surgery to recurrence (RFS: recurrence-free survival), the time to death (OS: overall survival), and the time to non-urothelial-tract recurrence-free survival (NUTRFS). A Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors that influenced recurrence. Results: There were no significant differences in the RFS, OS, and NUTRFS between the two matched groups. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the pT stage (pT3≥ vs. pT2≤) had an HR = 2.09 and a p = 0.01, and was an independent prognostic risk factor regarding cancer recurrence. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the oncological outcomes between the tLNU and rLNU groups. It is suggested that the transperitoneal approach should be selected for LNUs.

Transperitoneal vs retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a double-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing Retroperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (RLRN) and Transperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (TLRN). METHODS: A total of 120 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were randomized into either RLRN or TLRN group. Mainly by comparing the patient perioperative related data, surgical specimen integrity, pathological results and tumor results. RESULTS: Each group comprised 60 patients. The two group were equivalent in terms of perioperative and pathological outcomes. The mean integrity score was significantly lower in the RLRN group than TLRN group. With a median follow-up of 36.4 months after the operation, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant difference between RLRN and TLRN in overall survival (89.8% vs. 88.5%; P = 0.898), recurrence-free survival (77.9% vs. 87.7%; P = 0.180), and cancer-specific survival (91.4% vs. 98.3%; P = 0.153). In clinical T2 subgroup, the recurrence rate and recurrence-free survival in the RLRN group was significantly worse than that in the TLRN group (43.2% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.046). Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis showed that RLRN (HR: 3.35; 95%CI: 1.12-10.03; P = 0.030), male (HR: 4.01; 95%CI: 1.07-14.99; P = 0.039) and tumor size (HR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.01-1.51; P = 0.042) were independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that although RLRN versus TLRN had roughly similar efficacy, TLRN outperformed RLRN in terms of surgical specimen integrity. TLRN was also significantly better than RLRN in controlling tumor recurrence for clinical T2 and above cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=24400 ), identifier: ChiCTR1800014431, date: 13/01/2018.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Tailoring Approaches for the Optimal Resection of Adrenal Tumors.

In this study, we investigated the outcomes of laparoscopic approaches for adrenal tumor resection in 67 patients from a single center with a median age of 51 (range 40-79). Predominantly comprising women, the majority of patients were overweight or obese. Adrenal tumors larger than 6 cm were mostly treated using the laparoscopic transperitoneal method (p < 0.001). Our results revealed that patients subjected to the retroperitoneal approach exhibited quicker recovery, as evidenced by faster resumption of oral intake and ambulation, along with reduced intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospitalization (p-value < 0.05). In contrast, patients subjected to the transperitoneal approach experienced minimal complications, though not statistically significant, despite the technique's intricacy and slower recovery. These findings emphasize the significance of tailoring the surgical approach to individual patient characteristics, with particular emphasis on the tumor size. The choice between the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal methods should be informed by patient-specific attributes to optimize surgical outcomes. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as tumor characteristics and postoperative recovery when determining the most suitable laparoscopic approach for adrenal tumor resection. Ultimately, the pursuit of individualized treatment strategies will contribute to improved patient outcomes in adrenal tumor surgery.

Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal resection for benign retroperitoneal tumors: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Benign retroperitoneal tumors (BRTs) are clinically rare solid tumors. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal resection for BRTs. METHODS: The clinical data of 43 patients who had pathologically confirmed BRTs and underwent laparoscopic resection in a single center from January 2019 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods: the Transperitoneal approach group (n = 24) and the Retroperitoneal approach group (n = 19). The clinical characteristics and perioperative data between the two groups were compared. The baseline data and surgical variables were analyzed to determine the impact of different surgical approaches on the treatment outcomes of BRTs. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, presence of underlying diseases, tumor size, tumor position, operation duration, intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative hospital stay, intestinal function recovery time, and postoperative complication rate. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery was significantly lower in the Transperitoneal approach group than in the Retroperitoneal approach group (1/24 vs. 5/19, χ2 = 4.333, P = 0.037). Tumor size was an independent influencing factor for the effect of surgery (odds ratio = 1.869, 95% confidence interval = 1.135-3.078, P = 0.014) and had a larger efficacy on the retroperitoneal group (odds ratio = 3.740, 95% confidence interval = 1.044-13.394, P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic transperitoneal approach has the inherent advantages of anatomical hierarchies and surgical space, providing a better optical perspective of the targeted mass and improved bleeding control. This approach may have better efficacy than the retroperitoneal approach, especially in cases of a large tumor or when the tumor is located near important blood vessels.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (RLRN) is associated with poor integrity of Gerota's fascia and perirenal fat: A prospective comparative study.

Purpose: To figure out the difference of integrity of Gerota's fascia and perirenal fat between Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy (RLRN) and Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy (TLRN). Methods: This is a prospective comparative study of patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) from a designated tertiary center in Lanzhou, China. We have developed and propose a scoring tool to quantify the integrity of nephrectomy specimens from both approaches. The integrity score is based on 6 common conditions of nephrectomy specimens. Specimens are scored on a 1 to 6-point scale according to the integrity of Gerota's fascia and perirenal fat. We applied the integrity score to 142 consecutive patients. Integrity scores were compared between RLRN and TLRN groups. Factors associated with low integrity score were assessed by logistic regression. Results: Among 142 patients, 79 (55.6%) patients and 63 (44.4%) patients, respectively, underwent RLRN and TLRN. There was a significant difference in the distribution of integrity score between the two groups (P < 0.001). RLRN (odds ratio 10.65, 95%CI 4.29-26.45, P < 0.001), tumor size (odds ratio 1.22, 95%CI 1.04-1.42, P = 0.015) and Body Mass Index (BMI) (odds ratio 0.83, 95%CI 0.72-0.96, P = 0.010) were significantly associated with low integrity score. The logistic regression equation showed good power to predict low integrity score. Conclusion: RLRN has poor integrity of Gerota's fascia and the perirenal fat. The integrity score can be used to evaluate the extent of resection and specimen completeness in LRN. Postoperative evaluation of the integrity score is of great value for urologists to evaluate the risk of tumor residue.

Laparoscopic placement of left renal vein extravascular stenting in treatment of nutcracker syndrome: Techniques and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic extravascular stent in treatment of nutcracker syndrome by transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach. METHODS: Seventy-six patients with nutcracker syndrome were retrospectively enrolled from a tertiary referral center, and underwent transperitoneal (63 patients) or retroperitoneal (13 patients) laparoscopic extravascular stent from March 2011 to December 2020. Surgical parameters, complications, imaging and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully carried out without open conversion. The median operation time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospital day were 120 (interquartile range [IQR]: 90-144) min, 20 (IQR: 10-30) ml, and 7 (IQR: 6-9) days. At a median follow-up of 52 (range: 9-127) months, 60 (79%) patients had complete symptom resolution, 14 (18%) patients had significant symptom improvement, and 2 (3%) patients reported no symptom improvement. Ninety-four percent (50/53) of hematuria, 91% (30/33) of proteinuria, and 89% (25/28) of flank/abdominal pain resolved after extravascular LRV stenting. No significant differences were detected in surgery parameters and recovery rates of clinical symptoms between two approaches (each p > 0.05). However, patients with transperitoneal approach need longer to achieve complete recovery compared with retroperitoneal approach (8.7 vs. 1.5 months, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic extravascular stent performed either transperitoneally or retroperitoneally is a feasible and effective option in treatment of nutcracker syndrome. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stent required shorter time to achieve complete recovery, which should be considered whenever possible in surgical decision-making.

Robot-assisted transperitoneal and retroperitoneal adrenalectomy for huge adrenal tumors in 45 cases / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To compare the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal and retroperitoneal operation for huge (>6 cm) adrenal tumors. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 45 patients with huge adrenal tumors who underwent robotic surgery during Jan.2017 and Dec.2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 28 cases via the transperitoneal approach and 17 cases via the retroperitoneal approach. 【Results】 No patients were converted to open operations. There were no significant differences in postoperative drainage time (2.24±0.44 vs. 2.36±0.49) d, operation time (130.88±5.96 vs. 136.61±8.39) min, blood loss (189.41±13.91 vs. 192.5±12.36) mL and postoperative hospital stay (7.06±0.56 vs. 7.46±0.69) d between the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches. Retroperitoneal approach was better than transperitoneal approach in early postoperative feeding [(38.82±6.75 vs. 74.14±6.57) h, P<0.01] . 【Conclusion】 Robotic surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of large adrenal tumors. The choice of surgical approach should be based on patients’ condition, tumor volume and location.

The feasibility and safety of adopting the left lumbar vein to localize the renal artery location during left transperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is the standard of care for localized small renal cancer. The most critical step in this form of surgery is to localize the renal artery. In the present study, we describe a novel technique that uses the left lumbar vein (LV) to access the left renal artery during LPN. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective review of 130 cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomies (TLPNs) performed on patients with renal cancer in our center between January 2018 and December 2021. Either the LV or non-lumbar vein (N-LV) technique was used to locate and manage the left renal artery. We recorded relevant clinical data from all patients, including patient characteristics, tumor data, and perioperative outcomes (artery mobilization time, operative time, estimated blood loss, and complications). Comparative analysis was then carried out between the cases using LV or N-LV vein techniques. Results: All TLPNs were successfully accomplished without conversion to open approaches. There were no complications involving the renal vessels during the entire study. The LV technique resulted in a significantly shorter time to mobilize the renal and significantly less estimated blood loss (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two techniques with regard to perioperative complications. Conclusion: The left LV represents an anatomical landmark for locating the left renal artery in TLPN. This approach has numerous advantages over the transperitoneal approach including facilitating access to the left renal artery and reducing the duration of surgery.

Feasibility of interaortocaval clamping for renal artery during robot-assisted right partial nephrectomy: A propensity score-matching analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of the interaortocaval clamping technique for the right renal artery on perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: This study included 111 consecutive patients with right renal masses undergoing RAPN via the transperitoneal approach. In this series, standard and interaortocaval clamping techniques were defined as those for the right renal artery at the renal hilus and interaortocaval space, respectively. Based on the 3D images reconstructed from CT, interaortocaval clamping was preoperatively selected for patients in whom standard clamping of the main renal artery at the right hilum was judged to be technically difficult due to complicated vascular distribution, such as multiple branches of right renal arteries and veins and/or intertwining of these vessels. RESULTS: Of 111 patients, 95 and 16 were classified into the standard and interaortocaval clamping groups, respectively, and interaortocaval clamping was uneventfully performed as planned in all 16. After adjusting patient variables by 1:3 propensity score-matching, 33 and 11 patients were included in the respective groups, and there were no significant differences in major clinical characteristics between them, while the incidences of multiple branches of right renal vessels as well as their intertwining beside the right renal hilus were significantly higher in the interaortocaval clamping group. However, no significant difference was noted in any of the perioperative outcomes, including operative time or intraoperative blood loss, between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The interaortocaval clamping technique during RAPN is a feasible procedure with acceptable perioperative outcomes compared with standard hilar clamping, making it possible to more accurately resect renal tumors under clear visualization without unnecessary arterial bleeding from the tumor bed in patients with complex vascular distribution at the right renal hilus; however, special attention should be paid to the considerable individual variability of the interaortocaval anatomy.

The efficacy and safety comparison of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenocortical carcinoma / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) and transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA) in the treatment of localized adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).Methods:The data of 22 patients with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ ACC underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our institution from January 2009 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different surgical approaches, these patients were divided into RLA and TLA groups. Eleven patients underwent RLA and 11 patients underwent TLA. There were no significant differences between the RLA group and the TLA group in terms of age at first diagnosis[44 (35, 54) vs. 46(41, 55) years, P= 0.793], sex (male/female: 3/8 vs. 4/7, P = 1.00), secreting tumor ratio (3/11 vs. 4/11, P = 1.00), tumor location (left/right: 6/6 vs. 7/4, P = 1.00), with hypertension or diabetes mellitus (4/11 vs. 3/11, P = 1.00). However, RLA has significantly smaller tumor size [3.0(2.5, 8.4) cm vs. 7.7(5.2, 8.4)cm, P= 0.001], and more stage Ⅰ patients [90.9%(10/11) vs. 18.2%(2/11), P=0.002], compared with those in TLA group. The perioperative indicators and oncology prognosis outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed to calculate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results:Compared with TLA, RLA had shorter operation time[90(70, 100) vs. 110 (90, 120) min, P = 0.005] and postoperative drainage tube removal time [2 (2, 3) vs. 3 (2, 6) day, P = 0.002), and the difference was statistically significant. In the TLA group, one patient was converted to open operation due to intraoperative tumor capsule rupture. For postoperative complications, one patient in the TLA group suffered with wound infection. There were no perioperative deaths in either group. All postoperative pathological examinations confirmed ACC, and there was no significant difference in Ki-67 index between the two groups [10%(3%, 35%) vs. 10%(9%, 25%), P = 0.484]. The median follow-up was similar in the two groups [48(26, 98) vs. 31(18, 49) months, P=0.237]. The local recurrence and metastasis rates were 36.4% for RLA group and 63.6% for TLA group ( P = 0.395). Survival analysis showed no statistically significant difference in DFS [5-year DFS rate: 33.6% vs. 73.2%, P = 0.118] between the two groups. The 5-year OS rates for RLA group versus TLA group were 58.3% vs. 45.5% ( P=0.485). Conclusions:For localized (stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ) ACC, both RLA and TLA seem safe and feasible, based on the similar long-term oncological prognosis. However, compared with TLA, RLA has the advantage of shorter operation time and postoperative drainage tube removal time. Due to the small number of cases included in this study, further multi-center, large-sample studies are required to demonstrate clear benefit of one surgical approach in the future.

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy.

In addition to its established advantages, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (RN) poses a unique set of challenges over traditional open surgery. In this study, we discuss preoperative considerations and detailed steps for laparoscopic RN. We review the transabdominal approach in detail, including patient positioning, equipment, and port placement in addition to the surgical steps. Intraoperative decisions such as adrenal management, renal preservation, and tumor identification are reviewed. Common complications of laparoscopic renal surgery are also summarized.

Surgical Outcomes of Transperitoneal Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy Compared With Extraperitoneal Approach in Gynecologic Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The optimal surgical approach for para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PALND) in gynecologic cancers using minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy or robotic-assisted) is controversial. This study summarizes the current evidence on the extraperitoneal (EP) approach and compares its perioperative, surgical outcomes, and complications to the transperitoneal (TP) approach in an updated meta-analysis. Methods: We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that compare EP to TP for PALND. The main outcomes included surgical, perioperative outcomes, and complications. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) were applied for the comparison of continuous and dichotomous variables with 95% CIs. Three RCTs and 10 non-RCTs trials, including 2,354 patients were identified and enrolled in the meta-analysis. Results: A total of three RCTs and ten non-RCTs trials, including 2,354 patients were identified and enrolled in the meta-analysis. We reported similar results for EP and TP in terms of the hospital stay, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion, conversion to laparotomy, total operative time, and postoperative complications (Clavien grade ≥ 1 and Clavien grade ≥ 3). However, the PALND operative time (WMD -10.46 min, 95% CI -19.04, -1.88; p = 0.02) and intraoperative complications (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23, 0.69; p = 0.001) were less with EP. Also, more nodes were removed in EP compared with the TP (WMD 1.45, 95% CI 0.05, 2.86; p = 0.04). Conclusions: The EP approach did not show differences regarding surgical and perioperative parameters compared with the TP approach. However, the number of aortic nodes retrieved was higher. Furthermore, The PALND operative time and intraoperative complications were less in EP.

Pelvic radiation therapy as a potential risk factor for ischemic colitis complicating abdominal aortic reconstruction.

A 78-year-old man with a 56-mm juxtarenal aneurysm and previous pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer (3 years earlier) who was disease free during follow-up received elective aortoaortic bypass suprarenal clamping through a transperitoneal approach. After the patient experienced initial abdominal pain and diarrhea, a computed tomography scan showed mild sigmoid inflammation, and the patient received conservative treatment. One month after discharge, the patient underwent urgent laparotomy and bowel and sigmoid resection for an enterocutaneous fistula. At 6-month follow-up, he has recovered, although a bowel stoma remains.

The Efficiency and Safety of Transperitoneal versus Extraperitoneal Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Single Center Experience with 1-year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: Several studies have compared the short-term outcomes of extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (EP-RALP) and transperitoneal RALP (TP-RALP). The study was designed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the two methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, non-randomized study was conceived. The demographics and operative outcomes of patients with prostate cancer undergoing RALP from September 2016 to January 2017 at our center were included. RESULTS: A total of eighty-six patients were enrolled. Thirty-seven patients underwent EP-RALP, and forty-nine patients received TP-RALP. No significant difference was observed in age, body mass index, pathological T stage, pathological N stage, M stage, 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology group, comorbidities or American Society of Anesthesiologists score. A lower preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was detected in the EP-RALP group. No significant differences were observed in overall operation time, robotic console time, surgical margin status, postoperative hospitalization time, drop of hemoglobin and complications, except that patients with EP-RALP had a shorter time to first exsufflation after surgery than those with TP-RALP (41.35 vs. 51.80 h, P < .001). Postoperative PSA until 12 months was deemed comparable in both groups. Complete continence until 12 months after surgery was desirable but not significantly different between two groups (75.0% in EP- RALP vs. 86.7%. in TP-RALP, P = .179). CONCLUSION: The long-term outcomes of EP-RALP were analogous to those of TP-RALP. Therefore, EP-RALP is an alternative approach for patients with localized prostate cancer.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy: A combined retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approach.

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior cava thrombus indicates biologically aggressive cancer, so the complete surgical resection remains standard of care with best long-term outcomes. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with vena cava thrombectomy represents nowadays a mini-invasive surgical alternative to the classic open nephrectomy. We present the case of a patient with incidental diagnosis of a right renal mass with level II inferior cava thrombus completely managed with both retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches. The use of a double access was planned to ensure a safe and complete vascular control. In our opinion, optimal patient selection, extensive laparoscopic experience, and knowledge of both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches are critical elements for the safe application of this technique, although this procedure remains challenging and technically demanding.

Successful laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: first experience in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to share the initial results of LLDN in high-volume university centre that is performing laparoscopic nephrectomies for other indications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2017, four LLDNs were performed. The transperitoneal approach was used in all cases and the kidney was removed using a suprapubic incision. All donors and recipients were prospectively analysed within six-month follow-up. The patients' clinical, laboratory, and operation-related data were collected from direct interviews with them and from medical records. All patients signed written informed consent. RESULTS: One male and three females donated their left kidneys by using the  LLDN technique. The mean age was 58 ±  9 years; two of them with a history of previous cholecystectomy. All donated kidneys had a single renal artery and renal vein. Pre-operative average eGFR was 94.2 ±  7.1 ml/min/1.73  m2, immediately after LLDN 57.5 ± 10.3 ml/min/1.73 m2, after one month 56.0 ± 9.1 ml/min/1.73 m2. There were no intraoperative complications; surgery duration was 223.75 ± 21.74 min, the cold ischemia time was 77.5 ± 28.77 min, and the warm ischemia time 6.37 ± 3.14 min. There was one postoperative donor complication, one case of acute kidney injury, and one case of prolonged postoperative abdominal pain. The only recipient complication was one case of acute kidney rejection; there were no cases of delayed graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience confirms that LLDN is an approach that is easy to learn, especially in a high-volume university hospital with expertise in performing laparoscopic nephrectomies for other indications.

Simultaneous resection of endometrial cancer and high-level paraaortic paraganglioma using retroperitoneoscopic surgery.

•Paraganglioma is sometimes suspected as lymph node metastasis or lymph node recurrence of various malignant tumors.•Retroperitoneoscopic surgery is a valid approach to treat the tumor, located above the renal vein.•Resection using retroperitoneoscopic surgery without catecholamine-related complications is possible.

Dual Combined Laparoscopic Approach for Renal-Cell Carcinoma with Renal Vein and Level I-II Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus: Our Technique and Initial Results.

OBJECTIVE: To present our technique and initial results of dual combined retroperitoneal and transperitoneal laparoscopic approach for the treatment of renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) with level 0-II venous tumor thrombus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included nine consecutive patients with RCC and level 0-II inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy using dual combined laparoscopic approach in our department between January 2016 and June 2017. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 150 minutes when cavotomy was not performed and 240 minutes when cavotomy with thrombectomy was required. The mean IVC clamping time was 24 minutes and the mean blood loss was 300 mL. We encountered no major intraoperative or postoperative complications (Clavien III-IV). The patients were discharged a mean of 7 days after the procedure. At the 6-month follow-up, all patients were alive. One patient presented a retroperitoneal enlarged lymph node and started systemic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The dual combined laparoscopic approach for kidney tumors with level 0-II IVC thrombus is feasible, reproducible, and especially useful in patients with complex renal pedicle. The technique provides early arterial control by retroperitoneal approach, which reduces the blood flow through the renal vein and has the advantage of minimal mobilization of the thrombus-bearing renal vein; it therefore lowers the risk of tumor embolism and intraoperative hemorrhage.

A giant pararectal cyst successfully treated by robotic surgery.

A 50 year-old patient was referred to our department with severe obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms, suprapubic pain and rectal fullness that started after a perianal fistula operation performed one year ago. Radiologic evaluation showed a large pararectal cystic lesion with septa formation on the right side compressing the bladder and prostate. Aspiration of the cystic fluid attempted initially but was not successful. A robotic transperitoneal approach was applied and the cyst was excised completely. On 1-year follow-up, patient did not have any symptoms and cyst was completely disappeared on radiology.

New steps of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the extraperitoneal approach: a propensity-score matched comparison between extraperitoneal and transperitoneal approach in Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is commonly performed using the transperitoneal (TP) approach with six trocars over an 8-cm distance in the steep Trendelenburg position. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and the benefit of using the extraperitoneal (EP) approach with six trocars over a 4-cm distance in a flat or 5° Trendelenburg position. We also introduced four new steps to the surgical procedure and compared the surgical results and complications between the EP and TP approach using propensity score matching. METHODS: Between August 2012 and August 2016, 200 consecutive patients without any physical restrictions underwent RARP with the EP approach in a less than 5° Trendelenburg position, and 428 consecutive patients underwent RARP with the TP approach in a steep Trendelenburg position. Four new steps to RARP using the EP approach were developed: 1) arranging six trocars; 2) creating the EP space using laparoscopic forceps; 3) holding the separated prostate in the EP space outside the robotic view; and 4) preventing a postoperative inguinal hernia. Clinicopathological results and complications were compared between the EP and TP approaches using propensity score matching. Propensity scores were calculated for each patient using multivariate logistic regression based on the preoperative covariates. RESULTS: All 200 patients safely underwent RARP using the EP approach. The mean volume of estimated blood loss and duration of indwelling urethral catheter use were significantly lower with the EP approach than the TP approach (139.9 vs 184.9 mL, p = 0.03 and 5.6 vs 7.7 days, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant differences in the positive surgical margin were observed. None of the patients developed an inguinal hernia postoperatively after we introduced this technique. CONCLUSIONS: The EP approach to RARP was safely performed regardless of patient physique or contraindications to a steep Trendelenburg position. Our method, which involved using the EP approach to perform RARP, can decrease the amount of perioperative blood loss, the duration of indwelling urethral catheter use, and the incidence of postoperative inguinal hernia development.