Minilaparoscopy in urology: initial results after 32 cases

• Published in: World journal of urology 2016-01, Vol.34 (1), p.137-142
• Main Authors: Dubeux, Victor T., Carrerette, Fabricio, Peçanha, Gustavo, Medeiros, Lucilio, Gabrich, Pedro, Milfont, José, Damião, Ronaldo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Humans; Kidney - surgery; Laparoscopy - methods; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods; Nephrectomy - methods; Nephrology; Oncology; Original Article; Replantation - methods; Ureter - surgery; Ureteral Calculi - surgery; Urologic Surgical Procedures - methods; Urology
• ISSN: 0724-4983; 1433-8726
• DOI: 10.1007/s00345-015-1602-8

Purpose The use of minilaparoscopic instruments has gained interest in recent years, permitting a less invasive treatment for many surgical procedures. Its application in urological surgeries has not been established yet. Methods Between November 2012 and December 2014, 32 patients underwent minilaparoscopic surgeries, using 3.5-mm instruments. The procedures performed included pyeloplasties (16 cases), radical nephrectomies (2), simple nephrectomies (4), renal cyst decortication (5), ureterolithotomy (2) ureteral reimplantation (2) and partial ureterectomy (1). Results All the procedures were performed minilaparoscopically, except for one simple nephrectomy and one renal cyst decortication that were converted to a standard laparoscopic approach, due to intensive perioperative bleeding. One pyeloplasty had to be reoperated for a urinary fistula repair. All the patients had good-to-excellent cosmetic outcomes, except for one patient who developed keloids at her scars. Functional results were comparable to the ones described in the literature. Conclusion Minilaparoscopy is a feasible option for patients and physicians searching for a even less invasive procedure compared with the laparoscopic approach, with better cosmetic and the same functional and oncologic outcomes.