Fábio Augusto R. Brito

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in obese and non-obese patients: comparison with open surgery.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of open (OPN) and laparoscopic (LPN) partial nephrectomy in obese and non-obese patients. METHODS We analyzed records for a cohort of 56 patients (28 obese and 28 non-obese) who underwent OPN, as well as 112 (56 obese and 56 non-obese) who underwent LPN. RESULTS Obese patients undergoing OPN had increased operative time (285.9 +/- 69.7 versus 195.2 +/- 59.8 minutes), blood loss (484.5 +/- 272.1 versus 391.7 +/- 308.6 mL), clamp time (44.4 +/- 12.8 versus 28.2 +/- 10.5 minutes), intraoperative complications (14.3% versus 1.8%), postoperative complications (35.7% versus 17.9%), and hospital stay (6.4 +/- 2.8 versus 3.2 +/- 2.2 days) than those undergoing LPN. Comparison of obese versus non-obese patients who underwent LPN revealed similar perioperative outcomes, with the exception of a greater blood loss in the obese patient cohort (391.7 +/- 308.6 versus 280.9 +/- 202.1 mL). Finally, in comparing perioperative data among non-obese patients who underwent OPN versus LPN, those who underwent LPN were found to have improved operative times (248.9 +/- 45.0 versus 181.1 +/- 62.4 minutes), less blood loss (412.4 +/- 274.6 versus 280.9 +/- 202.1 mL), fewer intraoperative complications (21.4% versus 1.8%), and shorter length of hospital stay (6.3 +/- 2.8 versus 3.2 +/- 1.6 days). CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has significantly better perioperative outcomes than open partial nephrectomy in both the obese and non-obese populations.

Refining the laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer.

Since its initial description, the laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection has evolved considerably, from a purely diagnostic tool performed to stage germ cell testicular cancer to a therapeutic operation that fully duplicates the open technique. Herein, we describe the current technique employed at our institution, along with illustrations of all surgical steps, and delineate the refinements of the technique over time.

Laparoscopic treatment of simultaneous tumors in the liver and kidney.

Background/Aims: To report our experience with laparoscopic treatment of liver tumors during right-sided transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. Methods: Two patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy on the right side each had a concomitant tumor in the right lobe of the liver. The first patient was incidentally found to have a lesion suspicious for metastatic disease. The second had a known asymptomatic giant hemangioma of the liver. Results: Total operative time was 130 and 101 min. Estimated blood loss was 400 and 300 ml. There were no complications. The first patient had bilateral papillary renal cell carcinoma and concomitant fibroadipose tissue within the liver. The second patient presented with clear cell carcinoma of the right kidney and a cavernous hemangioma of the liver. Conclusions: When indicated, simultaneous right-sided kidney and liver tumors may be treated by a combined laparoscopic transperitoneal approach. Laparoscopic expertise is advised.

Total laparoscopic gastrocystoplasty: experimental technique in a porcine model

OBJECTIVE Describe a unique simplified experimental technique for total laparoscopic gastrocystoplasty in a porcine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed laparoscopic gastrocystoplasty on 10 animals. The gastroepiploic arch was identified and carefully mobilized from its origin at the pylorus to the beginning of the previously demarcated gastric wedge. The gastric segment was resected with sharp dissection. Both gastric suturing and gastrovesical anastomosis were performed with absorbable running sutures. The complete procedure and stages of gastric dissection, gastric closure, and gastrovesical anastomosis were separately timed for each laparoscopic gastrocystoplasty. The end-result of the gastric suturing and the bladder augmentation were evaluated by fluoroscopy or endoscopy. RESULTS Mean total operative time was 5.2 (range 3.5 - 8) hours: 84.5 (range 62 - 110) minutes for the gastric dissection, 56 (range 28 - 80) minutes for the gastric suturing, and 170.6 (range 70 to 200) minutes for the gastrovesical anastomosis. A cystogram showed a small leakage from the vesical anastomosis in the first two cases. No extravasation from gastric closure was observed in the postoperative gastrogram. CONCLUSIONS Total laparoscopic gastrocystoplasty is a feasible but complex procedure that currently has limited clinical application. With the increasing use of laparoscopy in reconstructive surgery of the lower urinary tract, gastrocystoplasty may become an attractive option because of its potential advantages over techniques using small and large bowel segments.