Jay Basillote

Ureteroscopes: flexible, rigid, and semirigid

Since its introduction, the ureteroscope has undergone significant improvements. Using the currently available rigid, semirigid, and flexible ureteroscopes and working instruments, urologists can diagnose and treat lesions throughout the upper urinary tract. Over the past 25 years, the ureteroscope in combination with shock wave lithotripsy has transformed the diagnosis and treatment of more than 90% of upper urinary tract pathology from an open to an endourologic procedure. With endoscope manufacturers continually incorporating new technology into their ureteroscopes, future models will undoubtedly provide better optics, increased durability, and improved capabilities, resulting in greater success when urologists perform endoscopic forays into the upper urinary tract.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: review and assessment of an emerging technique

BackgroundSeveral recent reports have affirmed the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach for radical prostatectomy. In this review, we discuss the morbidities associated with this technique and compare outcomes and convalescence with standard open radical prostatectomy.MethodsWe reviewed all currently published data on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and our series of 45 robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies and compared them to several landmark series of open retropubic and perineal radical prostatectomies.ResultsAlthough the initial series reported long operating times, these times have been significantly reduced in more recent series. Data on blood loss, convalescence, impotence, and incontinence rates have also been promising.ConclusionsAlthough follow-up has been short thus far, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been shown to be similar to open radical prostatectomy in several areas.

One-knot pyeloplasty.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty represents one of the more advanced reconstructive procedures for the urologist. While early reports were replete with long operative times, there have been several changes that have added to the efficiency of the procedure. In our practice, we have found three changes to be of greatest value: (1) an upper-midline port placement; (2) use of a continuous suture for the anastomosis with a double-armed, knotted suture; and (3) antegrade stent placement.

Intraoperative catheter management during laparoscopic excision of a giant bladder diverticulum.

BACKGROUND Massive bladder diverticula present a technical challenge to the laparoscopic surgeon. We describe a laparoscopic approach to transperitoneal diverticulectomy, using a specific catheter arrangement to allow excellent control of the various portions of the procedure. METHODS A 49-year-old male with longstanding frequency was diagnosed with a 1000 cc bladder diverticulum and bladder neck outlet obstruction. Laparoscopic transperitoneal diverticulectomy was performed using a triple catheter arrangement: endoscopic placement of a Councill catheter in the diverticulum, fluoroscopic positioning of an occlusion balloon catheter in the renal pelvis, and placement of a Cope loop suprapubic tube. Additionally, a transurethral incision of the prostate was performed. RESULTS The procedure was completed laparoscopically using a four port transperitoneal approach. During the procedure, the diverticulum could be filled and emptied as needed; the catheter across the diverticular neck facilitated subsequent closure of the bladder wall defect. The diverticulum was completely excised. The remaining defect in the bladder was then closed in 2 layers. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. CONCLUSION Careful planning and arrangement of catheters in the bladder, ureter, and diverticulum facilitates laparoscopic transperitoneal diverticulectomy of even a very large volume diverticulum.